IT’S GOING TO HAPPEN!

DeLaHoya versus Mayweather Jr.

By Moncayo Blackbull

INSIDEBOXING.COM (September 12, 2006) - It’s been talked about for years, Floyd Mayweather Jr. wants the fight, Oscar DeLaHoya wants the fight, and the public wants the fight, so where is the problem?

As we creep closer to making this contest a reality, many obstacles will fall into the path of finalization. I personally feel this battle will indeed happen, after all we are talking about two fighters that will be included in boxing’s “Greatest Fighters of all time” list.

As in every mega fight, there will be the issue of purse distribution. Will both fighters settle for a 50-50 split? Probably not, the money still follows DeLaHoya, nonetheless, it’s Mayweather that will make this a “Mega” fight, not anyone else. 

With DeLaHoya making his next fight his last fight, it does not matter who he fights, and the grand finally will surely reel in 10 million. His fan base and all who have followed his boxing career will not want to miss his last battle in the ring. However, who he fights will certainly impact all factors relating to the sport of boxing. Possible opponents include Shane Mosley, Tito Trinidad, Ricky Hatton and Floyd Mayweather Jr.

A fight against Shane Mosley would be the least of interest. Styles make fights and Mosley certainly has DeLaHoya’s number. This fight would merely be a carbon copy of the previous fights and would be a hard sell to the public. Not the way DeLaHoya would like to exit the game.

A fight against Tito Trinidad would generate big interest. With the majority of people believing DeLaHoya beat Trinidad in the first encounter, this would be a great opportunity for both fighters to settle the score.

Hatton presents an interesting scenario, a straight forward in-your-face fighter that comes in fantastic condition. Hatton will not tire and will test DeLaHoya’s conditioning, against Hatton there will be no rounds for resting. Hatton will also bring much interest from outside the United States.

Now the fight that should happen but also the most difficult to make happen is against Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Both fighters are active. Both fighters are at the top of their games (DeLaHoya proved he can bring out the Lion in himself when he beat Ricardo Mayorga). Both fighters are vying to be recognized as today’s greatest. Both fighters are popular in and out of boxing communities throughout the world. And most importantly, both fighters will bring out the best in each other.

Boxing experts and bookmakers alike will be hard pressed in picking a winner or a favorite. I can give several reasons as to why each fighter could or should win.

Put this all together and you have a contest that can possibly become the biggest fight in boxing history, surpassing any heavyweight contest in the books.

As in most mega fights money becomes the main issue in order to make the fight happen, in this case I don’t feel the two sides will have a big problem figuring a percentage split. As I mentioned, Money follows DeLaHoya but Mayweather Jr. makes the fight so maybe a 55-45 split or 60-40 in DeLaHoya’s favor sounds reasonable. Regardless of terms, the greatest issue revolving around this potential mega fight has little to do with negotiations of provisions compared to all the ironing out that has to be done amongst the Mayweather family.

On the spot is DeLaHoya’s trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr., what he consents to will have a direct impact on the fight. You see, in essence he is being asked to train someone to beat his son, not an easy pill to swallow.

As a father you want to cheer for your own flesh and blood, as a father you live and die for your children, the well being, heath and wealth is what a father wants for his family.

The immediate response Mayweather Sr. chose to give when he last addressed the issue was, he would not train DeLaHoya to defeat his son. With this being said, you would have to think the fight would never happen.

Well, public demand will not let this possible fight disappear without a fight of its own. It’s not everyday you have the possibility to match the two fighters considered pound-for-pound the best against each other. It’s not everyday you have the possibility of matching two fighters who’s goals are to be remembered as the greatest boxer who ever lived matched up against each other.

If Mayweather Sr. wants the best for his son, then can he afford to deny him a multi million dollar fight? I’m sure each fighter stands to make a cool 20 million or so. Can he afford to deny his son an opportunity to accomplish his goals? Not an easy decision for a father to make.

Another option and maybe the most logical would be for DeLaHoya to eliminate the family issue in it’s entirety by reliving Mayweather Sr. of his duties or Mayweather Sr. himself step down as trainer.

A decision DeLaHoya will have to address sooner or later.

Even if Mayweather Sr. settles his differences on the family side, will DeLaHoya have his full attention and dedication? You’d have to think that deep down, Mayweather would like to see his son win.

DeLaHoya has stated he will have one more fight before hanging up the gloves for good, let’s hope it’s a good one!