It was clear this weekend that Oscar De La Hoya remains focused on his duties as a boxing promoter and that his firm, Golden Boy Promotions, will continue on its trailblazing path.
De La Hoya said as much during his visit to Fantasy Springs Casino for Golden Boy’s latest card. Nearly 2,000 fight fans packed the California Desert venue, located just minutes East of Palm Springs, where victories were registered by NABO lightweight champion Eloy Perez, young American heavyweights Seth Mitchell and Deontay Wilder, and Desert youngster Randy Caballero.
De La Hoya, swarmed by fight fans from the moment of his arrival to his departure at the conclusion of the card, addressed a handful of issues facing Golden Boy.De La Hoya stated confidently that he still believes the SuperBout between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao “can happen…and it should happen.”
“Sure it will,” De La Hoya said. “That is the biggest fight out there. Fans are demanding it.”
De La Hoya, who saw negotiations for Mayweather-Pacquiao twice fall through, said if and when the fight happens is up to Mayweather. Pacquiao has instead chosen to fight disgraced former champion Antonio Margarito next month.
“Obviously it’s up to Mayweather to give everyone the thumbs up,” De La Hoya said.
De La Hoya also said he was so impressed with the makeup of Fantasy Springs Casino that future visits to the Desert venue are almost a sure thing.
“It’s a great venue and it’s very intimate,” De La Hoya said. “The fans here are 100 percent behind it. This first show here was a great success.”
De La Hoya, whose stable of fighters range in age and experience, was glowing about newly signed Caballero.
Caballero scored a fourth round decision in what was just his fifth fight as a pro.
“Take Caballero for instance…his footwork, his ability to throw combinations and his speed and power,” De La Hoya noted. “He’s got the goods. I’m excited by that.”
Caballero, 19, was a 2008 U.S. National Champion and completed his amateur career with over 150 bouts, fought in front of his hometown fans for the first time.
“This is the first time I’ve seen him and I am glad I did,” De La Hoya said. “Now all my focus will be on him to make sure we give him the right opportunity to grow and one day become a world champion.”
Source: examiner.com
No comments:
Post a Comment