USA: BOXING - Floyd Mayweather defeats Oscar de la Hoya in one of boxing's richest fights

After one of the most lucrative fights in boxing history, winner Floyd Mayweather and loser Oscar de la Hoya say they gave the fans what they wanted: a hell of a fight. After Floyd Mayweather Jr registered a split points decision victory over Oscar De La Hoya to win the World Boxing Council super welterweight title on Saturday (May 5), both pugilists say they gave the fans what they wanted. The showdown at the 17,000-seat MGM Grand arena was broadcast to 176 countries, with total revenue predicted to exceed $100 million, one of the highest-grossing in boxing history. Mayweather won the verdict from two of the three judges to improve his career record to 38-0 with 24 knockouts. The 30-year-old American, widely regarded as the world's best fighter at his weight, defended skillfully early on before imposing himself in the later rounds with his powerful right and several telling combinations. Mayweather connected with a thumping right and left combination early in the 12th and final round before a flurry of close-range punches from both fighters ended the bout. "It was a hell of a fight. The world wanted to come out and see Floyd Mayweather dominate," Mayweather said. "He's a hell of a champion. I'm a hell of a champion. And we gave the fans a hell of a fight tonight. That's what you guys wanted." De La Hoya, arguably the biggest name in boxing despite being in the twilight of his career, started impressively, pinning Mayweather against the ropes and frequently connecting with his trademark left hook. However, the 34-year-old Mexican-American found it increasingly difficult to penetrate Mayweather's renowned defence and his close-range jabs became more ineffective. "We came out to do, what we had to do. Obviously, I had to stick to my game plan and fight," De La Hoya said. De La Hoya, who also promoted the fight, gave credit to his opponent, but thanked the fans for making it such a valuable fight stating. "I just wanted to make sure we gave the people what they wanted. I think the people were extremely happy," he said. BBC commentator, Mike Costello, defended the judges decision and rebuked the crowd sentiment that De La Hoya possibly won the fight. "By all means of judging a contest, Floyd Mayweather won that fight. He dominated for at least eight rounds of that contest, and at times I thought that Oscar de la Hoya looked very old in there tonight," he said.

ITN Source | May 7, 2007

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