Marcos Villegas, The Boxing Channel
You were in the biggest fights in history, Oscar, and seeing this fight, Canelo going up against a defensive master in Mayweather, I kind of see it similar to the spot you were in when you fought Pernell Whitaker. Do you see similarities there?
Oscar De La Hoya
Uhhh, whole different style. Pernell Whitaker actually loved to stay in front of you and fight you. That was the difference with Pernell Whitaker. Mayweather is more of a tactical, will get on his feet and bounce around and move around. It kinda reminds me of Sugar Ray Leonard with Mayweather Sr. Reminds me of that. You know, Sugar Ray Leonard, the guy who was fast, strong. Senior was the guy with that defense. It's kind of similar, you know? Big fight. Big event, you know?
Marcos Villegas, The Boxing Channel
Looking at outcomes in fights with defensive fighters and offensive fighters, they usually come out very controversial. Do you have any worries that it might happen the night of the fight?
Oscar De La Hoya
It's always a concern when you're facing Floyd. Obviously what Canelo has to do is put no doubt in the judges' heads, especially the first three, four rounds. He has to show the judges that he's in charge, that he's in control. Because it's Las Vegas. Mayweather always fights in Las Vegas. The judges I'm sure are probably going to watch that and see that. One close round? Oh well that's, uh, that's, uhhhh...Mayweather's our guy, so maybe let's give it to him. Canelo has to go out there and fight hard and dictate the pace right from the start.
Marcos Villegas, The Boxing Channel
Do you think we'll see a more aggressive Canelo than he was with Austin Trout, one that does a little bit more in terms of throwing punches?
Oscar De La Hoya
I think he's gonna be busier. I think he's gonna be, it's gonna be more tactical. I think he's going to be more aggressive, yes. But I think he's gonna be smarter, you know? Fighting with a lot of pressure, but smarter, you know? Smarter.
Marcos Villegas, The Boxing Channel
You've mentioned in the Showtime series that Floyd is still like a thorn on your side. Why do you still feel that towards him when you guys are together as well, there seems to be a little bit of tension sometimes, too?
Oscar De La Hoya
It's not towards him personally. It's towards the decision, our fight, our whole event. Obviously when you feel that you won the fight, or when you feel that it should have been at least a draw, then you're gonna feel that. But against him personally? I have nothing against him. I actually enjoy watching him. I actually enjoy being around him. It's, uh, I'm just happy to be a part of it, you know?