MightyGloves.com

Oscar Speaks

posted by Kathleen Holland on April 24, 2008, in Punch Lines By Judi Abate

Photo by Chris McGee
Conference Call 4/23/08
By Judi Abate
Boxing Diva

After my small bout with hyperventalating in reguard to being asked if I wanted to do the Oscar De La Hoya conference call yesterday I was able to get down to the task at hand. I was thrilled to be a part of this great moment. Oscar is my favorite boxer in the whole world so this was a pretty big deal even if only to hear his voice.

A side note to my boxing buddy Doug. I made sure Oscar did not hear my drooling on the phone line LOL. Was I hanging on every word. You bet I was. I wanted to hear what has made Oscar the Legend he is today.

Oscar, 38-5 (30ko's) spoke about his focus on the Forbes bout. " I'm not looking past Forbes. I'm training so hard for this and it's the most important fight of my life." Oscar admits he has overlooked an opponent before, Sturm and barely received the win for that bout. He said, " That's never going to happen again." Oscar knows Steve Forbes 33-5 (9ko's) " is coming to fight." Oscar assures his fans that he will put on a spectacular show.

Many curious people wanted to know about his final opponent for his farewell fight in December.
" You can't count anyone out. I intend to beat Forbes. I inted to beat Mayweather who is the best fighter in the world right now and I want to continue that streak." Miquel Cotto was mentioned but Oscar also said " one fight at a time."

Oscar was very clear on the question of his retirement. " There's not going to be any ( fights in) 2009, no fights past December. I want to have these three fights and go out like a champion."
There were a few questions concerning Vegas and his upcoming fight with Mayweather. Would he get a fair decision in Las Vegas against Mayweather? " I have faith Vegas will do the right thing.
Nevada is the top Commission and top state to fight in if you want to be in big time fighting. My
eyes will be very close on this and open my eyes even more." I believe the issue is with the judges not the Commission and I hope Oscar will not leave this fight in the hands of the judges.

I would like to wish Oscar good luck. I'm sad to see him retire at the end of this year but I do understand and respect that this is what he has chosen to do and I believe it is a smart decision as well. Oscar will never exactly fade away his accomplishments are in the record books forever.

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