Oscar de la Hoya is the richest and most popular nonheavyweight boxer of all time. During a bleak period in the fight game, he has fought the best opponents available, amassing a record of 37 wins and 4 losses. Early in his career, he was one of the more dominant lightweights ever to lace up a glove. As he moved up in weight and faced ever-stronger opponents, his finesse and iron will, more than his vaunted left hook, carried him to championships in six weight classes.
On May 6 at the MGM Grand, the handsome Latino from East L.A. fights for a title again, meeting rugged World Boxing Council super-welterweight champ Ricardo Mayorga of Costa Rica. This marks de la Hoya's first appearance since a knockout loss to Bernard Hopkins in 2004. Can the 33-year-old legend shake off ring rust and rise to the occasion again?
It won't be easy. In Mayorga, he faces a stubborn, hard-hitting street brawler who prides himself on his durable chin. Wild action characterizes many of his fights, and he always gives fans their money's worth. Co-promoted by Don King and Oscar's own Golden Boy Promotions, this bout promises machismo and bravado aplenty.