World professional boxing is a serious business based on a single principle: maximum profit with minimal risk. This statement, once considered controversial, has in recent years become increasingly commonplace. The talent of promoters to find non-dangerous rivals for their boxers and to promote fights at the expense of the media, earning millions on broadcasts and sold tickets, becomes almost more significant than the action in the ring. Needless to say, fights of stars are now even more rare.
When at the end of last year it became known about the signing of a contract for a fight between Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather Jr., I had to pinch myself to believe in the reality of the upcoming event. Moreover, both boxers were often accused of unwillingness to take risks when choosing an opponent with the ability to extract maximum profit from each exit to the ring.
There was no doubt that this time both solidly replenished wallets. It was assumed that the spectators of the fight will lay out $ 19 million. And expectations were more than justified - all tickets were bought out three hours after the start of sales, and the total amount of proceeds from the battle promises to exceed $ 90 million, making it the most profitable in history. But no one doubts that the spectacle will cost this money. The fight will almost certainly be superinteresting; in addition, the main thing in the careers of both participants.
34-year-old De La Hoya, who won nine league titles in five different weight categories, after losing in 2004 by knockout from Bernard Hopkins, many were already quick to write off for retirement. And the Golden Boy himself did not hide the fact that he likes working in his own company Golden Boy Promotions rather than dancing in the ring. Moreover, a business suit always went to him more than sports shorts. However, last year, De La Hoya triumphantly returned, beating out knockout in the sixth round of WBC middleweight champion Ricardo Mayorgue.
About Oscar again spoke with a gasp. His crown left hook is still monstrously strong, while the jabs and technology have remained a role model. But age greatly affected speed, and in a duel with Mayweather having an amazing reaction and fast legs, this could become a major drawback.
Floyd, who has not lost yet any of the 37 fights in the professional ring and has earned the right to be called the best boxer of our time outside the weight categories, like no one else knows how to flutter a butterfly and sting a bee. In his last fight with the Argentinean Carlos Baldomir, he evaded almost all the champion’s attacks. Baldomir went on a spurt from the first rounds, but Mayweather effectively counterattacked and thanks to this tactic he won on points, once again confirming the nickname Handsome, which he got for the ability to get out of every fight as unscathed as possible.
It is likely that now Mayweather will decide to act as the second number, earning points with counterattacks. However, it will be more difficult for him to flutter, since his first middleweight appearance will be his debut for Floyd, and history shows that a similar step for any boxer is always fraught with problems.
“I’ve never been afraid of rivals, I’m not going to do it now. I know that he is very fast, but can he maintain his speed in the new weight category? - De La Hoya declared on the eve. “People say that speed superiority is a significant trump card for my opponent, but they will have to be surprised when they see what I oppose to it.”
“Oscar is a boxer of the same style, just like Diego Corrales. It will not be difficult for me to beat him at short or long range, - Mayweather did not make him wait for an answer. “There was a time when I watched De La Hoya's boxing with pleasure and respected him, but now I only feel hatred for him.”
So who is at greater risk of telling his grandchildren that he lost the main battle of his life? It’s not easy to answer. Yes and no, I guess. This fight was interesting intrigue from the very beginning, and I want her to live as long as possible. There is only one doubt - the battle will fully justify the advances paid, and not only in terms of the money earned on it.
Andrey IVANTSOV