De La Hoya, Hopkins Speak!
Post-fight report by William Trillo
Photos by
Chris Cozzone
All the principles from "Collision Course' were in attendance at the post fight press conference and were ready willing and able to discuss this evenings events with the packed house of media. Robert Allen was gracious in defeat and Bernard Hopkins was more than complimentary of his fallen foe. And if it wasn't for a surprise guest appearance by none other than Mike Tyson the real focus of the evening was directed toward Felix Sturm and Oscar De La Hoya, who had just been involved in a hard fought and controversial bout.
Before the two men, who everyone wanted to speak to made their way into the auditorium, Robert Allen and Bernard Hopkins took their turn as the opening act.
First to the podium was Allen and he spoke to the night by saying, "I wanted to give a better performance, but tonight was just not my night, my hat is off to Bernard, he is a true champion. I think Oscar is going to give Bernard a tough fight, he is going to have to move and make the old man use his legs, and I noticed one thing in particular tonight and that is Hopkins does not hit as hard as he used to, that is going to be to Oscar's advantage." Allen made no excuses and took the defeat like a true warrior, giving credit where credit was due.
Hopkins, who is never at a loss for words had many things to say about what had just transpired, and what he believes will happen in his upcoming bout with De La Hoya. The first thing Hopkins addressed was his problems earlier in the week and he made it clear that he respected the Nevada State Boxing Commission as well as the third man in the ring Joe Cortez. He praised Cortez for being fair but firm.
"I am ready for the big fight and Oscar showed this evening that he won't fade in the late rounds, he showed he can stay with the big boys no matter how you think he looked. Sturm stayed determined until the end, and I am glad for that", said Hopkins.
Regarding his seventh round knockdown of Allen, Bernard said, "I hit him with a outside overhand right and I was surprised that he got up because I hit him right on the chin. I have the utmost respect for Allen and he showed he is a true fighter tonight."
Hopkins also expressed that there was some concern on his part during the De La Hoya fight saying, "My blood pressure went up about three notches during the seventh round of that fight."
In closing Hopkins said that he wants to fight until he is 42 and if anyone wanted to question his age he would be happy to show them his birth certificate.
Before Oscar spoke to the crowd his trainer Mayweather revealed that Oscar had been experiencing back problems during training camp and that led to the lack of head movement that we saw from his pupil on this night.
Mayweather also noted that he believed Oscar won the fight and that they would be going back to the drawing board as they prepare for the September date with Hopkins. He vowed we would see a whole new game plan.
A disappointed Felix Sturm took the stage and said he felt he did everything he needed to do to win the fight. "I think I was stronger and smarter tonight. If Oscar really loves the sport he will give me a rematch, if he loves the money, he will fight Bernard. I am a boxer, not a money machine", said a discouraged Sturm.
Last, but not least, the new WBO champion made his way into the arena and spoke about his tough fight for the title. "What can I say? It was a tough fight," said De La Hoya.
"I underestimated Sturm, but we trained hard and I did my job, I have now captured six titles and now I look forward to fighting Hopkins. I am really looking forward to that. I have no excuses. Sturm came to fight and he prepared himself very well. He was a very game fighter.
"I had to fight hard to win this fight, like a warrior. He took me off my game plan because he is a good fighter, but we changed things up and I pulled it out."
Oscar confirmed that he was not 100% and that he did get hurt during the fight but said that it is all part of the game, and you have to adjust to overcome these problems. He feels that he did just that and it won't affect him as he prepares to make history in September.
Bob Arum closed the night by reminding everyone that De La Hoya-Hopkins is definitely a go for September and this will be the first time in history that all four major belts will be on the line in one fight.
So with that, the stage is set, the collision course did not have it's path diverted as Hopkins and De La Hoya came out victorious.
Comments? Questions? Email
William Trillo
# # #
|
