LAS VEGAS, NV - Prior to last nights fight card at the MGM Grand, fight fans were hoping Oscar De La Hoya and Bernard Hopkins would both win their scheduled bouts, so to set up a super fight between the two combatants.
However just a day later, fight fans are now wondering if Oscar De La Hoya is sure he still wants a piece of Hopkins and the middleweight division?
"It was a very close fight, let’s put it that way," said a victorious De La Hoya, who will now face Hopkins on September 18 at the MGM Grand arena. "I’m all about challenges, but what I’m very disappointed in is my performance. I know I can do better."
De La Hoya will have to perform much better against Hopkins than he did against the virtually unknown WBO champion Felix Sturm, who fought brilliantly at times and appeared to outbox De La Hoya in every aspect only to lose a highly controversial decision.
All three judges, Mike Glienna, Dave Moretti and Paul Smith scored the fight 115-113 for De La Hoya, undoubtedly putting a smile on Bernard Hopkins face.
"My blood pressure went up. But I was confident De La Hoya would pull it off," said an ecstatic Hopkins who still had his multi million dollar payday in place. "He showed he can pull out the last couple of rounds. He showed championship heart. The guy didn't come here from Germany to lay down."
In all honesty, De La Hoya may not have really shown championship heart or form for that matter, but one thing is for sure, Sturm definitely did not show up to lose.
After an unusual quick start, De La Hoya worked Sturm's body from the opening round, landing lefts and rights to his midsection in hopes that Sturm would eventually drop his guard. But Sturm not only weathered the 100 plus punches, but also countered De La Hoya with some uppercuts that seemed to hurt the 'Golden Boy.'
Sturm remained confident.
The German who had never fought outside of Europe, went back to his corner after the first round with his right hand raised as if he knew he could handle the 12-1 favorite.
Sturm controlled big parts of the fight with his stiff and accurate jab, and when De La Hoya attacked inside, the German countered with short rights and uppercuts.
With his white trunks stained red from blood flowing from his nose, a pudgy looking De La Hoya seemed to tire in the middle rounds, while Sturm remained fresh as a daisy.
The sixth round saw the fight turn in favor of Sturm, who continued to land hard jabs, knocking De La Hoya's head back on contact. But after slowing in the mid rounds, De La Hoya picked up the pace, winning the last round on all three scorecards, despite receiving big punches from Sturm.
"What can I do? What can I say?," said De La Hoya. "Everything went wrong tonight. Everything."
Sturm landed 46 more punches (234-188) and at a higher percentage, but the judges still gave the call to De La Hoya.
"I trained as hard as I could. I did everything perfect. I sparred with big guys, but when I stepped into the ring, nothing," De La Hoya said. "He's an ordinary fighter. He's a world champion and he's young and he's hungry."
Sturm, as expected was angry and demanded a rematch, saying he felt he clearly won the fight. He said he knew he was in for a tough night considering the millions at stake, pending a De La Hoya win.
"I know Oscar is a big name here and a great champion," said the 25-year-old Sturm. "But tonight I think the whole world saw who was the better fighter."
De La Hoya improves to 37-3 (29 KOs) in his middleweight debut, while Sturm suffers his first loss, falling to 20-1 (9 KOs).
LAS VEGAS, NV - Prior to last nights fight card at the MGM Grand, fight fans were hoping Oscar De La Hoya and Bernard Hopkins would both win their scheduled bouts, so to set up a super fight between the two combatants. 