Was more a De La Hoya showcase to bigger things, the last noche HBO Hoya-Forbes mismatch - and all went as hoped for by those that call the shots. 

They spiked it with a Golden Boy demand that it be scheduled for twelve rounds ala title distance - for affect, to help build on a likely September rematch with “Pretty boy” Floyd. 

The Forbes selection fit into the game plan perfectly - smaller and short on punching power, especially at welter, junior middleweight range of 150 pounds - still, until it neared the midway point of stanza six, those that needed for Oscar to sparkle like fine  wine could begin to relax. 

The jab, the jab, the jab - a lethal weapon that can sting, and set up power combinations, coupled with effective feints, would open the door to targets that gave Hoya the early edge - and would restrict the smaller Forbes who had mucho problems getting untracked. 

Only a rock solid proven chin would keep Forbes upright over twelve active stanzas - this, after being on the receiving end of barrages and power combinations from the more natural in size at 150 De La Hoya.  

Forbes had his moments - but those brief flashes of hope would be quickly drowned in a counter barrage that returned memories of a younger De la Hoya. 

Still, my advice to those with thoughts of betting the ‘dog come September in the  expected Mayweather Jr. return, first consider the surgeon warning “Buyer Beware.” 

Stellar performance or not, the today Hoya will not have the luxury of facing small bore incoming - Mayweather not mega-detonated, but his power punching can be damaging, enough so to once again keep the Golden boy honest.       

Bits-n-pieces department:

• De La Hoya (39-5, 30 KOs) ~ age 35. Entered this one in physical appearance the best since prime time days of yore. Credit Mayweather Sr. for the conditioning and improving the range finder jab before going with the combinations.  

• Forbes (33-6, 9 KOs) ~ age 31 - simply put, outsized and outgunned he was at disadvantage of 5’10½” to 5’71/2” and in reach 73-68” - post fight shout was his returning to 140 pound competition. Has earned the opportunity for money fights at the s/lightweight battlefield. 

P.S.  Only the uninitiated would buy into a Mayweather-Hoya return - boycott and think Cotto, Margarito for both/either Floyd, Oscar futures.

 

GEL  -