It is a sad state of affairs when a
championship bout which will cost those foolish enough to
purchase it over $50 must resort to sleazy promotion tactics
such as some mysterious potion that when ingested makes one
feel "strong and good all over."
It is even more
distressing when upon close examination of the present
rankings we find that challenger Yori Boy Campas is rated
#13 by the WBO and #15 by the WBC. Can someone please
explain how and when did Campas became a worthy challenger
to Oscar de la Hoya's belts? What is the justification for
sanctioning this title defense? Because Oscar de la Hoya
needs a tune up? Because Bob Arum says so?
The majority of the
media has become just as much a part of this farce as the
event's promoter and the main participant. Reporters tasting
the so-called potion have made news, and their pictures are
being proudly displayed by those who are obligated to play
ball with the top ranked ones or else.
It is good to know
that some of us will not sell our souls to the devil. We
have professional integrity and we love this game way too
much to become a part of the Oscar de la Hoya vs Yori Boy
Campas dark comedy.
Remember how Roy
Jones, Jr. was attacked, criticized and boycotted for his
defenses against meaningless -but mandatory- opponents?
Bernard Hopkins recently suffered a scathing talking to by
HBO's Larry Merchant for defending against a mandatory
challenger as well. If we are to believe that the above was
the proper line of conduct, then, what do we do about Campas
- De la Hoya this Saturday, May 3rd? Boycott it? Bad mouth
it? Ignore it or denounce it?
I for one want to
denounce it as being one of the most shameful displays of
"he who has the gold rules" (pun is intended), in boxing
history. I will boycott is as well, and I hope that 99% of
all boxing fans do the same, although any sales at all will
be icing on the cake for HBO who holds Oscar to a
multi-fight contract.
It is sad to see a
former champion like Yori Boy Campas making such a fool of
himself with the potion bit and other issues. How must
Campas feel when Oscar openly states -as he did to yours
truly- this is just a 'tune up fight' and 'he can't beat
me'? The remarks border on pompous and reckless disrespect
for Campas -as a man and a fighter- but most importantly
they are downright insulting to boxing fans.
Campas will walk away
from this event with the biggest check of his career, pride
-however much he has left- safely tucked away in his back
pocket. Oscar de la Hoya will walk away with another W on
his record and the tune up that he feels he needs to meet up
with Shane Mosley later on this year. It will be one of
boxing's darkest hours, one which I trust boxing fans the
world over will never forget.
