After his frustrating loss to Felix Trinidad in September of 1999, Oscar De La Hoya took five months off before returning to action. He traveled to Madison Square Garden in New York City to face Derrell Coley on February 26, 2000. ‘The Golden Boy’ had little trouble with the overmatched Coley, and stopped him in seven rounds with little trouble. Stating “I want nothing but knockouts!” to Larry Merchant in his post-fight interview, Oscar said he didn’t want to leave decisions in the judges hands anymore after his loss to Trinidad.
On June 17, 2000 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, the biggest fight of the year took place between Oscar and Shane Mosley. Two boxers in their prime meeting was only good for the sport, and it was a pleasure to order it on pay-per-view.
It was and easy choice as to who to root for, since I loved Oscar, and couldn’t stand Mosley or his father. I also knew it would be a close fight, and if I was a betting man, which I no longer was, I wouldn’t have wagered on this for anything in the world. After his loss to Trinidad, I knew Oscar was very motivated, but at the same time I knew Mosley was a very talented boxer.
The action was brisk and competitive throughout, but over the last four rounds or so, Mosley was the busier puncher. When the unanimous decision went for Shane, I was disappointed, but not surprised. Oscar lost fair and square, and now had two losses in three fights after having been undefeated as a professional. How he dealt with that, only time would tell.
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