De La Hoya Searches for December Opponent

With the abrupt retirement of Floyd Mayweather last week, Oscar De La Hoya’s three fight plan for this year has disintegrated.

De La Hoya had been in negotiations for a September rematch with Mayweather. With that deal off the table, the Golden Boy was left without the time, opponent or TV date to retain the September bout.

Now De La Hoya has been forced to have one bout left in December in order to keep his promise to retire by the end of the year.

The short list of potential opponents included Sergio Mora, Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton. Mora is unlikely, as Vernon Forrest, the man Mora just defeated, is exercising his rematch clause for another title bout.

Hatton has rejected Oscar in favor of defending his junior welterweight title against #1 contender Paulie Malignaggi in November.

Hatton’s reasoning for turning down the lucrative bout is that he could not prepare in time for September after a tough bout against Juan Lazcano.

Pacquiao is an option for December, but one that wouldn’t earn the Golden Boy any accolades. Pacquiao is naturally much smaller than De La Hoya, who has fought as high as middleweight. He would be heavily favored to win, but De La Hoya is desperate for a career-defining win that would lessen the question marks of losing his biggest fights to Felix Trinidad and Shane Mosley.

Winky Wright released a press statement last week, again calling out Oscar for a PPV showdown. This is nothing new, as Wright has been chasing De La Hoya since the late ‘90s. However, this time fate may be on Winky’s side. Reports are circulating that informal talks have began between the two fighters about a possible December bout. 

The fight would be very tactical, and Wright would have to be the favorite. Although he looked bad in his last fight with Bernard Hopkins, that contest was held at 170 pounds where Wright had no business competing. Junior Middleweight is his best division and where the fight would likely be fought. De La Hoya would be given fits trying to contend with Wright’s steady, rhythm-breaking jab and airtight defense.

It would be surprising if De La Hoya takes this bout. He’s stated that he wants his last fight to be fan-friendly, and this would be anything but that. Also, there is a strong possibility that a motivated Wright might embarrass Oscar, the last thing the former champion would want in his last bout.

The only other high profile option would be the winner of Miguel Cotto-Antonio Margarito, being held July 26^th. The winner will be the recognized welterweight champ, and give Oscar a defining win. Plus, both of those fighters offer defensive liabilities that would give Oscar a decent chance to pull off the win.

Whomever De La Hoya chooses, the next couple of months will prove very interesting.

Mike Tyson Implicated in Murder Plot

After recently making positive news for a great documentary on his life, Tyson’s press is back to its normal sullied reputation.

The Associated Press reported late last week that the former heavyweight champ offered to a hire a hitman to avenge the death of his bodyguard. The allegation comes from Dwayne Myers, who is currently testifying against Abubakr Raheem, who is on trial for allegedly driving a getaway car in two gang slayings.

Myers claims that Tyson’s bodyguard was Darryl “Homicide” Baum, who Hip-Hop fans may remember is thought to have been the triggerman in 50 Cent’s 2000 shooting. Baum was killed in June 2000, allegedly by a drug crew led by Damion “World” Hardy, a former boyfriend of Lil Kim. Myers claims the killing was due to Baum’s relationship with a rival drug dealer.

Myers states nothing came of the contract after initial interest from Tyson. At press time, lawyers for Tyson have not commented on the matter.

Calzaghe Focuses Back on Jones

After early talks fell through, Joe Calzaghe and Roy Jones, Jr. are back at the negotiation table.

Last month, Calzaghe had reported that talks had ceased due to Jones’ high purse demands. From there, Calzaghe began early discussions to possibly face middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik later this year. After Pavlik’s good showcase this month, it seemed everything would be in motion, but Calzaghe is living up to his word of stating he wants the most lucrative fights by pursuing Jones.

A Jones-Calzaghe matchup would be intriguing. Calzaghe is undoubtedly fresher, and would look much better against a now mostly stationary Jones who can only fight in spurts. However, Calzaghe would have to be careful of Jones’ occasional bursts of speed, where his counterpunching and flashy combos hint at the otherworldly talents the Pensacola native had in his prime.

With so much money to be made, especially in Wales, look for Jones and Calzaghe to come to terms shortly. While Calzaghe should be favored due to his consistent work rate, count Jones as a very live underdog.

Throwback Fighter of the Week: Larry Holmes

This past week, underappreciated former heavyweight champion Larry Holmes was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. “The Easton Assassin” turned pro in 1973 to little fanfare. He gained much knowledge and experience by becoming Muhammad Ali’s chief sparring partner.

Holmes first made waves by shutting out Earnie Shavers in 1978, which set up a showdown with Ken Norton. In an epic battle, Holmes outslugged Norton to escape with a split decision and the WBC heavyweight title. Holmes went on to defeat an aged and Parkinson-damaged Muhammad Ali in a sad and painful bout for both men in 1980.

Holmes defended his title against six undefeated fighters, and won a racially-charged contest against hard punching Gerry Cooney in 1982. By 1985, Holmes had been champion for seven years with a record of 48-0. He lost two controversial decisions to Michael Spinks and a highlight reel knockout to a prime Mike Tyson to close out the ‘80s.

Larry Holmes continued fighting well into his 40’s, even scoring a shocking upset against an undefeated Ray Mercer and posting a respectable showing against Evander Holyfield in a losing title effort.

Holmes’ final record stands at 69(44 KOs)-6. He is second all time in heavyweight title defenses with 20.