Shane Mosley’s Razor Close Victory Over Oscar De La Hoya – June 17, 2000

On June 17, 2000, at the Staples Center, Los Angeles, California, Oscar De La Hoya looked to successfully defend his WBC and IBA welterweight titles against “Sugar” Shane Mosley. The fight was close, with a late rally from Mosley ultimately the difference, winning by a split decision, with the judges scorecards reading 116–112 and 115–113 for “Sugar” with the last card reading 115–113 for “The Golden Boy.” Big Fight Weekend are taking you back to relive the fight.

Shane Mosley Defeats Oscar De La Hoya by Split Decision

Shane Mosley vs. Oscar De La Hoya Recap

“Sugar” started well, showcasing his fast hands and excellent footwork, while De La Hoya impressed with the timing of his punches. As the rounds progressed his left hook began to find a home, which brought him back into the fight. Despite “The Golden Boy” seemingly turning the tide, Mosley bit down on his gumshield and refused to submit.

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Mosley rallied from round seven, putting together fast, telling combinations, which seemed to affect De La Hoya. The accuracy from Mosley caught the eye and helped ensure he was the deserved winner. The eye-catching flurries were telling and were ultimately the difference, which gave “Sugar” the split decision victory.

Hear the Mosley-De La Hoya Nostalgia and the weekend recaps and more on the “Big Fight Weekend Recap Podcast” with T.J. Rives and Dan Rafael by clicking the play button below.

Aftermath

De La Hoya felt he had won the fight and did not return to the ring until his fifth-round TKO win against Arturo Gatti in Las Vegas. Following that win, he won another three fights, including against Fernando Vargas – before the rematch with Mosley happened on September 13, 2003.

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The rematch was controversial, with many feeling “The Golden Boy” won the fight, with Mosley getting the unanimous decision verdict. The controversy only increased when “Sugar” later admitted to unknowingly taking BALCO steroids.