THE PEOPLE SPEAK ON HOPKINS - DE LA HOYA: AN EXCLUSIVE BRC POLL

By Elisa Harrison




 

The upcoming match between Oscar de la Hoya and Bernard  Hopkins has stirred a lot of interest amongst the boxing community as well as the casual fans of the sport. On September 18th, 2004, Bernard Hopkins will press on in his quest to achieve 20 title defenses, and should he emerge victorious, it would give him title defense number 19. Oscar de la Hoya will give it his all for entirely different reasons. Oscar's last few fights have been marred with controversy and he hasn't  looked dominant in some time.

They say that you are only as good as your last fight, and if there is any truth to that adage then Oscar de la Hoya is not coming into this fight from a position of strength. Although De la Hoya officially 'won' the decision against Sturm, his performance left a lot to be desired and I think it's fair to say that the majority of those who viewed the fight felt the German fighter got jobbed.

We polled Bragging Rights Corner's Inner Circle of writers as well as many of our loyal readers and friends in the boxing world, and judging from their response... well, why don't I let you read for yourselves...

**Editor's Note: We will continue to update this poll as more replies reach us, so be sure to come back and check for new predictions. Thanks!
 

BRAGGING RIGHTS CORNER'S INNER CIRCLE...

  • Oscar de la Hoya will come in very sharp for this fight and will be very effective for about 4 rounds using his legs. However, I think this will backfire on him and he'll tire himself out allowing Bernard Hopkins who will be providing constant pressure to catch up to him and make the fight a rough one for Oscar. I like Hopkins to win by TKO before round 10 - Aladdin Freeman
     

  • Almost every De la Hoya win or loss has been controversial or debated. Expect no less here. De la Hoya by split decision. Either way, this fight goes the distance and will have people talking. - Mike LeTourneau
     

  • There was once an old Boxing saying, "Never underestimate the heart of a champion." I'll go with an upset and say Oscar de la Hoya. I think he will squeak out a close decision. I think he will get inside and outwork Hopkins.  -  Tom Dickey
     
  • Hopkins has a lot more to offer than Oscar at this weight , and regardless of how he or Oscar looked in their last outings, I am convinced that Bernard will be just one bridge too far for ODLH. If you are holding me to a prediction, not a stoppage win (Oscar is too shrewd for that), nonetheless a very one sided points win where the quality work is all Bernard's.  -  Stephen Jones
     
  • I have to go with logic and take Hopkins in this one. I think the fight will be somewhat lackluster with De la Hoya moving and Hopkins chasing much of the bout. During the second half of the fight I think De la Hoya will become tired and Hopkins will begin to land more often. I see De la Hoya lasting the distance but taking somewhat of a beating down the stretch on his way toward losing a clear decision. - Chris Robinson
     
  • I see Hopkins winning by TKO or Oscar's corner throwing in the towel in the ninth round after receiving a sustained beating. This will not be a repeat of Hagler-Leonard, there are some similarities but there are also a lot of different circumstances. I don't think Hopkins will just follow DLH around the ring ineffectively. DLH will be pursued around the ring in a way he has not experienced yet. Hopkins can fight a full 3 minutes a round for 12 rounds, DLH cannot. You only have to see how fresh Hopkins was in the 12th rounds against Trinidad & Joppy to know he will not run out of gas. DLH has faded in the later rounds against Mosley, Quartey (after DLH dropped Quartey in the 12th, Ike came back and had DLH in trouble) & others.
    Oscar can't run all night, he has to stop and engage at some point and if Hopkins establishes his longer jab early, DLH will be done. It will be interesting to see what DLH does if he is outboxed, will he choose to brawl or just run and survive. DLH is not clincher and I really respect that, running is the only way to survive and that cost him against Trinidad. Also if Mosley can out slug DLH, Hopkins will have no problems.  Oscar is very tough and has a good chin so I don't think we'll see a one punch KO here. Even though DLH takes a good punch, he doesn't like it and it effects him mentally. Hopkins will take punches in this bout and it will just inspire him to fight more, it will feel more like a fight to him.
    Don't expect to see the same Hopkins we saw last time against Allen, more like the one we saw against Trinidad & Joppy. - Darren Yates, from Down Under
     
  • Speed kills...... Oscar de la Hoya by Split Decision. - Danny Serratelli
     
  • Hopkins early or late … guess is he gets it done by halfway mark. - George Elsasser
     

  • Hopkins vs De la Hoya, a great fight, hopefully it lives up to the hype. This is a fight in which styles will play a major part in who emerges victorious. Oscar de la Hoya has to fight a close to perfect fight to walk away with his hand raised in victory. He has to re-duplicate the blueprint he gave Hopkins on how to beat Trinidad. This time around Oscar has to do to Hopkins what he did to Trinidad. He can't afford to trade punches, he can't afford to get tired down the stretch. He will have to win with speed of feet and speed of hands. Hopkins is a very hungry fighter who has toiled in obscurity for a very long time and is basking in this moment of time, it doesn't get any better for him. He's bigger, stronger and can fight also. If De la Hoya fights as he did against Felix Sturm he loses, maybe even gets stopped. If he boxes and can maintain it from round one to round twelve, he wins by decision. There is no way if De la Hoya is still standing after twelve rounds -barring there are no knock downs- that he should be out-pointed by Hopkins. It's a very interesting fight, yet I lean a little toward Hopkins more because of his size and at times he can get a little dirty and make the fight extremely ugly.
    I like Hopkins but I hope De la Hoya wins because unfortunately my older brother just happens to be in Oscar's corner. If I didn't share that with my readers I wouldn't be Keeping it Real. With that being said... 'It's Fight Time.' - Jeff Mayweather
     

  • Bernard by late round stoppage, Bernard is just too much for Oscar. I see
    the fight being like the William Joppy fight, but Oscar not being able to
    hold on for the 12 rounds. - Jose Hernandez, (Photographer)
     

    •

  • I like Hopkins by decision, which I guess is the consensus. -  Hardcharger (BRC's first Webmaster)
     

  • Bernard will wear Oscar down and win by 8th round stoppage - Kris Lake
     

  • My prediction for the Bernard Hopkins - Oscar de la Hoya fight should be a no brainer, Bernard Hopkins. Over the years it's been hard to go against Oscar but this is the first time I've felt that he was out of his league. Hopkins will prove to be too much for the Golden Boy, winning by a tougher than expected decision. - Kenny Perrault
     

  • De la Hoya by split decision. Call me crazy, call me biased, or call me the underdog, but I’m sticking by my guns! - Xavier ‘El Mago’ Cepeda
     

  • I believe that the outcome of this match will be heavily influenced by the strategy planned by Floyd Mayweather, Sr. and Bouie Fisher, (two of the best trainers in the business), and how well their individual charges can follow the laid out plans. I would like to see Oscar win but it won't be easy. However, and even more importantly, is anyone concerned about the judging of this fight?
    I have two wishes: 1) That the fight will live up to expectations and 2) That the appointed officials will render a solid decision. Simple as #2 may sound, more often than we care to remember, it has proven to be a monumental problem for judges in Las Vegas. - Elisa Harrison

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OUR BOXING FRIENDS SPEAK OUT...

  • Julio Diaz: Bernard Hopkins by stoppage. Hopkins was too strong for Oscar. Hopkins is too big, and the fight won't even be close. I hope Oscar will win, and my heart says Oscar will win, but I feels Hopkins will win fairly easily. - Julio Diaz
     

  • Bodak: Hopkins will win by decision. Oscar is good defensively and Hopkins won't be able to knock him out. But, Hopkins will win a decision. - Chuck Bodak
     

  • Hopkins will win decisively, probably by late round stoppage, depending on how Oscar fights him. If Oscar tries to mix it up, Bernard will lay into him. Hopkins will go to the body, and wear Oscar out by the later rounds. No way Oscar could win the fight. - Genaro "Chicanito" Hernandez
     

  • Oscar en su ultima pelea dentro de la categoria mediana lucio cansado en los ultimos rounds contra un peleador dificil pero muy inferior al invencible Hopkins.  Por ser un peso mediano natural, su pegada, experiencia y tecnica, "El Exterminador" sale favorito de la critica, mio  y de la mayoria de los conocedores del mundo del boxeo.  Pero, aunque Oscar luce llevar todas las de peder, presiento que por su orgullo, sus cualidades dentro del ring, su velocidad de manos y piernas,  probado poder asimilitavo y pegada (no muy efectiva en 160 libras) puede sorprender a muchos.  Creo que por ese motivo me inclino a predecir una emocionante pelea y que al final del combate el "Golden Boy" saldrá triunfante.  Esto significaria dejar sentado su calidad boxistica para la posteridad y como resultado un inmenso beneficio para el deporte, el cual lo ha sabido llevar con dignidad, decencia, honor y profesionalismo, como un ejemplo a seguir por futuros peleadores. - Antonio Purriños, Editor La Voz de Miami Beach
     

  • The Super Fight is days away and for me choosing a winner isn't easy by any means. There are so many things to look at in this fight such as De La Hoya's power or lack thereof since his jump in weight. His poor performance against Felix Sturm left more questions then answers.
    Bernard Hopkins continues to get better as time passes and he shows no signs of slowing down. The Golden Boy has a lot of heart but I think Hopkins has the desire and wants it more. I'll make it short and simple, Hopkins will win a close split decision. - Ed Ludwig (boxing writer)
     

  • I like Oscar... Vin LaManna
     

  • I pick 1992 Olympic Teammate Oscar De La Hoya. Oscar has the HEART of a LION and a Punch to go with it. - Larry Donald
     

  • I am going for Bernard Hopkins! Bernard is fierce, unorthodox and too big for Oscar.  - Atty. Carl Lewis
     

  • I feel come September 19th Oscar de la Hoya will be the owner of the WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO world middleweight titles. De la Hoya to take it with a disputed points win. - Peter Mercer
     

  • I know Oscar looked old against Felix Strum and his heart probably wasn't in it thinking about what was down the road. It is my belief that he will be on the money this time, but this will be Hopkins' last hurrah and Oscar falls by decision. - Chris Thorne
     

  • I think it's going to be a close fight, it can go either way.  Oscar is a great boxer and has that piston jab which gives him hope.  As long as he doesn't sit in the pocket he'll be ok.  Hopkins hasn't been beat in 10 years, its going to be a war.  That is way I love this sport, for the thrill of victory.  God Bless to both fighters and may the best man win. - Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero        
                                                                 

  • Bernard Hopkins in 9 - Big Dog (Trainer)
     

  • Been a fair bit of trash talk on this one, but I think anything resembling a wild slug fest is pretty unlikely. Both these guys are too smart, and are basically technical stylists anyway, so a tactical fight, and a distance one, is the pick. 
    Both men have natural caution too, so I expect a reasonably slow pace, which could suit Oscar. At his best, he's got a real chance. His speed and movement could cause problems for a champ who can be a tad one paced. But realistically the pick has to be Bernard. He has all the advantages, bar age, and probably even has the edge there, as he appears, even at approaching 40, the fresher of the two. 
    Both men will spar from range, treating the other with respect. Oscar will hope to outbox his rival, but could soon realize that Bernard is a more varied stylist, though with less obvious flash. Hopkins will be content to get the better of a boxing match, punishing Oscar with whipping counters, though his natural caution will prevent him from scoring a knockout and give De La Hoya the opportunity to make it competitive, if not close. This one will go to points, with Oscar surviving a ninth round knockdown to come out with credit and not damage his reputation. The spoils though, go to Bernard. - Finbarr
     

  • Hopkins wins, by TKO in 10 - Jacob Hall, Indiana State Boxing Commissioner
     

  • Strategical opening rounds, powerful body punching from Bernard, sporadic flurries from Oscar. Ends up a very tactical fight with Oscar penetrating with the long jab but Bernard's defense and counter punching does the job - Distance... Hopkins, split decision. -  Dave Wilkerson/Ballroom Boxing
     

  • Hopkins wins a lopsided decision - Damon Feldman (Promoter)

  • If Oscar shows up... then Hopkins by TKO 11 - Frank Gonzalez/Sharkie's Machine (boxing writer)
     

  • I think it will go the distance, with Bernard winning by unanimous decision.  Oscar will shock everybody by going the distance.  Mario Serrano, (Publicist)
     

  • This fight will be one of the most "tactical" fights of my lifetime - not coming down to who's faster or stronger or who even "wants it" most.  Rather, the winner will be determined by which fighter "outboxes" the other with finesse and ring-generalship.  Bernard will come out swinging hard & in control early but will not be able to keep up with Oscars pace going in to the later rounds. -- Oscar by decision. -  Ricky Taylor (Trainer)
     

  • The Felix Sturm fight showed that Oscar de la Hoya has no business to do at the middleweight division. But his toughness will prevent him from a knockout defeat against Hopkins. Bernard Hopkins by unanimous decision.  Fabian Weber /Universum

  • Oscar by close decision. Leon Marguiles, CEO Team Freedom 
     

  • Oscar is GREAT but the size and strength of Bernard will either prove to be too much for Oscar or set up a boring fight with Oscar on the stick and move fast plan.  However, like everyone else, I won't miss this one.  It's only to bad we couldn't have (the broadcast) it on an Elite Promotions card.  Jeff Gibson, Promoter (www.elitepromotions.info)

  • Bernard Hopkins is the man, especially for sports fans 40 and older. Conditioning is the key for him. Too strong, too cagey, too determined. X takes out DLH in 10. Bob Trieger, (Publicist)

  • Hopkins by KO 11 - Fred Sternburg, (Publicist)
     
  • Hopkins wins by KO between rounds 9 and 11. Hopkins is stronger and has great reach, he is also in his ideal weight class. - Jorge Alonso (referee)
     
  • It will be a competitive fight until the later rounds where Bernard's conditioning and body work will begin to take its toll on Oscar. The last four rounds will be one sided, but Oscar's footwork and ring smarts will prevent him from taking a severe beating and being stopped. Bernard by decision, 8 rounds to 4. - Yosvani Oliva, (Editor/www.boxeomundial.net)
  • Bernard in 8 Rounds - Noah Lazes, (Promoter)
     
  • A nip and tuck close fight with Bernard winning a close decision maybe split - J.D. Brown, (SRL Boxing Operations)
     
  • Bernard Hopkins by TKO--9th round - Jackie Kallen (Boxing manager)
     
  • Bernard Hopkins is much bigger, a stronger puncher, just as good a boxer (if not better) than De Le Hoya and quick enough to catch him. Also De la Hoya will have to come in to Hopkins because Hopkins is taller at 6' 1" than De la Hoya who is 5' 11". The things that may favor De la Hoya is speed. He might be faster than Hopkins. However for him to have a chance to win he needs to be considerably quicker or this could be an ugly fight for De la Hoya. Hopkins also takes a good shot and I am not sure if De la Hoya can handle Hopkins' power. The X factor is whether Hopkins at age 39 has slowed down and can't fight at the level he has been fighting for the past five years.
    In summarization, unless Hopkins is a shot and worn fighter I have Hopkins winning by KO in the middle to late rounds. I'll say the 8th for sake of selecting a round. I do give credit to De la Hoya for taking this fight as he is really a true fighter! But you never know in boxing as anything can happen.... - Patrick Ortiz, Ringside Ticket Inc.
     
  • Oscar De la Hoya will win the fight as "Father Time" will creep up on Bernard Hopkins, just like it did on Marvin Hagler against Ray Leonard in April of 1987. It's been awhile since Hopkins has fought anyone with the hand and foot speed and agility of Oscar. The last time Hopkins dealt with such a remarkable amount of boxing skills, was in 1994 when he faced Roy Jones Jr. .
    Now I am not saying that De la Hoya skills are on that level; however a boxer is a boxer; and under the watchful eye of Floyd Mayweather, Sr. the game plan for this fight will result in Oscar winning by a 8th through-10th round Knockout! -  Ronnie 'Slam' Duncan, Announcer

9-2-2004

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