Marcos Villegas
Do you have an update on what's going on with Robert Guerrero?
Oscar De La Hoya
I have no update with Robert Guerrero. I do hope he fights very soon. He's a fighter who has a lot of heart. He's a fighter who gives it all. He's a great guy. Again, you have to ask the CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, who is Richard Schaefer. He's in charge of putting these fights together. Like I said, I'm the owner of the company, but all these fights that are taking place, you would have to ask Richard.
Marcos Villegas
What did you think of Broner's loss? What was the first thing you said when you saw that fight?
Oscar De La Hoya
You know what, I thought it was a terrific fight. I was happy because the sport, the fans were able to witness a great fight. I have to tip my hat off to Broner. Obviously, to Maidana, he's a great fighter, a lot of heart. A lot of passion there. But I have to tip off my hat to Broner. Not for his outside antics and all that. Forget about all that. But the way he fought. This guy comes to fight. He's entertaining. He has heart. Aside from everything that he does outside the ring, this guy has heart. And I have to really give it to him, because this guy can fight. He can fight. He just -- he can maybe change a little of his attitude outside of the ring, but he can fight inside the ring.
Marcos Villegas
What did you make of Victor's fight with Collazo?
Oscar De La Hoya
I just felt -- I felt bad. I felt bad for Victor, because Victor is so talented. He's got all the talent in the world. And I love Victor. Victor's just a great guy. One of the few great guys in the sport, you know? That's the reason why I had mentioned, you know what, Victor, maybe just go and do something else. Not because you don't have the talent, not because you don't have the dedication and the will and the strength. Not that. It's because I don't want to see you get hurt. But it's up to him. You know, it was just my reaction to -- what I really felt at that moment. Because I care for him, that's all. But if Victor's going to continue, he's going to continue, absolutely. But I'll tell you one thing: nobody will ever tell Victor, oh, maybe you should just hang 'em up. They'll keep on telling him to fight, and fight, and keep on fighting, you know, because maybe they just don't care about him. But I do care about him. And whatever decision he makes, it's up to him. It's not up to me. I'm sure he'll continue fighting, and he'll do great, because he's a great fighter. It's just a matter of him going in there and being mentally prepared, strong. Physically, we know he's there. He's one of the most talented fighters I've ever seen, but he's got to get it strong up here, in his head.
Marcos Villegas
What do you think is missing? Why can't that connection be made, do you feel?
Oscar De La Hoya
I don't know. Maybe uncertainties. Maybe it's lack of confidence, who knows? But the (mind) is a very powerful tool, and he's just got to get a hold of that. And I'm sure if he continues to fight, he makes that decision, I'm sure he'll be back. Look -- people love watching Victor Ortiz fight. I love watching him fight. I don't love watching him get hurt, but I love watching him fight, and whatever decision he makes, I'll support him 100%, no doubt about it.
Marcos Villegas
So you haven't spoken to him at all about that performance?
Oscar De La Hoya
No, I haven't.
Marcos Villegas
Do you feel he should continue to fight then? Freddie (Roach) says when he sees a fighter that he feels should stop, he'll tell him, hey, I'm not going to train you anymore, I feel you should stop. You're his friend, but you're also his promoter. Do you feel you'll be able to make that decision, take the promoter hat off and put the friend hat on, and say, I can't promote you anymore, I feel you're going to get hurt.
Oscar De La Hoya
The decision, first of all, is up to him. I can't make that decision for him. I respect him no matter what. If he makes the decision to retire or stay in boxing, it's up to him. 100%. I'm with him 100%. I would like to say that I'm his friend, because I do care about him. Sincerely. Put aside everything -- the money, the this and that, business, whatever, put aside everything. I do care for him. I like Victor. He's a fighter that, man, he can go a long way. He's young, he's strong, he's fast, he's powerful, he's fun to watch. He can go a long way. He's just got to get it straight up here. There's a way. If there's a will, there's a way, and I believe in Victor.