It happens May 4, 2002 live on HBO Pay Per View. Oscar De La Hoya takes his first step at making a serious run at once again becoming the pound for pound king. He takes on his hated rival Fernando Vargas. It's a grudge match between two Mexican fighters which will unify two thirds of the junior middleweight championship.

2001 was a ponderous year for Oscar De La Hoya. He was coming off of a loss in what may have been the biggest fight in his career against cross-town rival Shane Mosley, in which he lost his WBC welterweight title in a twelve round decision. De La Hoya should not have been ashamed. He put on a true exhibition of power, skill, speed, and courage, but Shane just had a little more than Oscar on that night. Unsure of his next move Oscar took time off. He released a Grammy nominated 'Latin Pop' Album, and announced his return to the squared circle.

His return would be a welterweight bout against the crowd pleasing Arturo Gatti. Although Gatti is one of the most popular fighters around, it was clearly a mismatch. Oscar demolished the brave Gatti in four rounds. Oscar decided he was done at 147 lbs. and announced he would be moving to 154 lbs. to take on Francisco Castillejo for the WBC title. De La Hoya showed a much improved right hand which would put Castillejo down in the last round to lock up the decision and championship for Oscar. A mandatory defense against Roman Karmazin fell through when De La Hoya injured his wrist. The stage was set for Oscar to sign to meet Vargas.

The two have had many verbal sparring sessions, and a physical encounter at a press conference for the fight. Oscar has many questions looming around his head. Will he retire? Is he going to rematch Mosley or Trinidad? Will he move up to face Bernard Hopkins?

De La Hoya is on track for Vargas. The likely result is he will beat Vargas. Not because Trinidad ruined Fernando, De La Hoya may not punch as hard as Vargas, but has superior boxing skills, hand speed, a better chin, and has much more experience. I do not expect De La Hoya to retire, even though he can. He is a good looking multi-millionaire boxer/singer/actor, whatever else he may be. Why keep fighting? Fame? He's got it. Money? He can wipe his a** with $100 dollar bills, it ain't that. The answer is a spot in Canastota, New York.

He has gone on record requesting matches against Mosley, Trinidad, and especially Hopkins. I don't expect Hopkins - De La Hoya in 2002. I would expect De La Hoya to face Karmazin after defeating Vargas, and a rematch with "Tito" or "Sugar" Shane, as both are coming off of their first defeats. I would expect a 'Fighter of the Year award for De La Hoya in 2002. You may think two losses may have tarnished his "Golden" record, but 2002 will give Oscar back his confidence, and gain him something else, respect.

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