5 Most Memorable Oscar De La Hoya Fights

Oscar De La Hoya was involved in many great fights throughout his career. he has continued to make great fights since retiring as the CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “The Golden Boy” was known for his superior hand speed, which alongside his excellent accuracy, would often bamboozle his opponents. His performances during his career make him a legend of the sport, so Big Fight Weekend wanted to bring you 5 of the best Oscar De La Hoya fights.

5 Memorable Oscar De La Hoya Fights

So proud of myself for putting it all on the line. Stream The Golden Boy, a 2-part documentary on legendary boxer, Oscar De La Hoya, July 24th on @StreamonMax. #TheGoldenBoyHBO pic.twitter.com/zOIChDMsrI

— Oscar De La Hoya (@OscarDeLaHoya) June 9, 2023

Oscar De La Hoya vs. Pernell Whitaker

He never shied away from a fight, and on April 12, 1997, in Las Vegas, he stepped up to welterweight to fight the smart southpaw operator Pernell Whitaker, who was well respected throughout the world of boxing. Whitaker started the brighter with a stiff accurate jab which was an effective weapon for him throughout. De La Hoya showed his toughness and class during the fight and landed some thudding uppercuts, which reminded “Sweet Pea” of his power. Despite a flash knockdown in Whitaker’s favour, De La Hoya’s hand speed and accuracy got him the unanimous decision victory.

Oscar De La Hoya vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Sr.

De La Hoya against Julio Cesar Chavez took place at the Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada. “El Cesar del Boxeo” had a record of 96-1-1 ahead of the clash against Golden Boy. The 23-year-old Mexican/American started strongly and controlled the fight cutting his more experienced opponent with two accurate heavy jabs. His accuracy was impressive against Chavez as he troubled his opponent with jabs, right hooks and left hooks. Chavez came out swinging in round four, but De La Hoya landed a vicious left hook, which broke the nose of his experienced opponent, which led the referee to end the fight in round four. The stoppage was the first loss via stoppage in 100 pro fights for Chavez.

Oscar De La Hoya vs. Ike Quartey

Arguably one of De La Hoya’s toughest fights. Many watching had Ike Quartey in front after the first 6-7 rounds. His speed and power troubled Golden Boy from the first bell, with the Ghanaian fighter rocking De La Hoya on more than one occasion. Both fighters exchanged knockdowns around the midway point of this closely contested fight. Quartey tired dramatically from round 10 onwards, which saw De La Hoya take control for the rest of the fight landing at will against his tired opponent, which saw the Ghanaian hit the canvas following a vicious left hook from Golden Boy. Both fighters continued until the final bell sounded, with many split on who would win. The judges felt De La Hoya’s strong end to the fight was enough to give him the victory via split decision.

Oscar De La Hoya vs. Fernando Vargas

On September 14, 2002, De La Hoya entered the ring to face Fernando Vargas in a 154-pound unification fight. Vargas started brightly, beating his opponent to the punch throughout the opening three rounds. Golden Boy began to find his range at the midway point of the fight and landed a flurry of eye-catching left hooks, which swung the fight in his favour. He began to showcase his exceptional speed and accuracy, leading him to score at will as the fight progressed. De La Hoya had taken complete control of the fight before decking Vargas with a devastating hook to the head, before following it up with a brutal barrage of punches to end the fight.

Oscar De La Hoya vs. Felix Trinidad

De La Hoya again showed his determination never to shy away from any potential opponent. He shared the ring with undefeated fighter Felix Trinidad at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Nevada. Golden Boy boxed reservedly early on throwing accurate jabs at Trinidad’s head. Defensively, he was blocking heavy punches from his heavy-handed opponent while showcasing his impressive hand speed, which seemed to be building De La Hoya a healthy lead on the judge’s scorecard. As the fight entered the championship rounds, Trinidad began to find his range and landed heavy shots forcing De La Hoya to hang on. Trinidad landed some eye-catching shots in the final round, ultimately giving him the majority decision victory on the judge’s scorecard.