Toughest Fight of His Career: Oscar De La Hoya vs. John John Molina Revisted

On February 18, 1995, Oscar De La Hoya was involved in, to that point, the toughest fight of his professional career against John John Molina at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. At Big Fight Weekend, we love nostalgia, and today, we are revisiting De La Hoya vs. Molina for the junior lightweight title.

Oscar De La Hoya vs. John John Molina Revisted

De La Hoya Involved in Tough Unanimous Decision Win

De La Hoya started well, letting his hands go, with his speed clearly troubling Molina. The knockdown came when “Golden Boy” countered a right hand from his opponent with a sharp left hook. Molina quickly changed his tactics and made the fight the ugly contest he needed, which saw him take the middle rounds despite not really landing any eye-catching punches.

Read More: 5 Most Memorable Oscar De La Hoya Fights

“Golden Boy” composed himself as the fight wore on and started to control the distance while letting his hands go at the right time. Following the conclusion of the final two rounds, the scorecards read 116-111, 117-110, 116-111. The win ensured De La Hoya retained the IBF junior lightweight strap and stayed unbeaten, moving to 17-0, while Molina fell to 36-4.

Read More: Oscar De La Hoya Stopped Fellow Legend Julio Cesar Chavez

Despite the awkward fight and constant holding from Molina, the Los Angeles native got the job done and came through what was the toughest fight of his career up to that point. It was the first defeat for the Puerto Rican in 15 fights, who gave the champion a test he had not experienced until that point in his career. Despite the awkward 12 rounds, it was ultimately straightforward forward, as the scorecards showed.

Hear Dan’s full conversation with Oscar De La Hoya on the “Fight Freaks Unite Podcast” by clicking play below,

What Came Next for De La Hoya?

The career of “Golden Boy” went from strength to strength as he won titles at various weights. He never shied away from fighting the best, which saw him clash with Ike Quartey, Felix Trinidad, Pernell Whitaker, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao. De La Hoya enjoyed a brilliant career, whose fights were almost always entertaining. He was exceptional at controlling the distance in his fights and throwing spiteful combinations. His left hook was also a deadly punch, which he used regularly.