With the ‘SuperFight’ now less than a month away the speculation of what will happen is growing by the day. Is Floyd Mayweather too young and too fast? Is Oscar De La Hoya too big and too strong? There are many scenarios that could unfold in this fight and the strategy used by both men will likely be the biggest factor in how the fight plays out. Both fighters, undoubtedly, are two of the most skilled fighters in the sport during the past 15 years. Here is how I broke down some of those key skill categories for their May 5th clash.
Size: Oscar is obviously the bigger man at about 5’10 1/2″ compared to Floyd who is probably closer to 5’7″ than the 5’8″ he’s listed at. He also has a much bigger body and probably walks around at over 170lbs in between fights. Floyd probably walks around at about 155-160 tops. It’s true that they both started out at about the same weight but Oscar was always blown up at 130-140. His natural weight class was 147-154. Floyd was always natural at 130,135, and 140. 147 even seems a little big for him and 154 is definitely pushing the envelope. Especially since he was only 152lbs 30 days before the fight. Floyd’s biggest disadvantage at the weight will be if it slows him down at all. Physically I don’t think Oscar is stronger at all. Oscar won’t be able to push him around at all. The size will only be an advantage for Oscar if he uses it correctly. If he boxes and uses his jab effectively it could prove to be a major factor in the outcome. If he tries to get too close and stands straight up Mayweather will hit him with hooks, bodyshots, and straight rights all night long and then his size will be a disadvantage. I think Oscar knows this and will come out boxing and not trying to make the fight a war like people are expecting, at least early on.
Advantage: De La Hoya
Punching Power: This will be Oscar De La Hoya’s biggest advantage. When Floyd knocks people out it’s because of constant, cumulative punches. He doesn’t have one punch knockout power at all. De La Hoya is not a huge puncher either but if you don’t see that left hook coming it could be lights out. Other than landing that one big punch, Oscar’s best chance is to hit Mayweather enough to where his edge in power will take an effect on Floyd in the second half of the fight and wear him down. This includes going to the body which Oscar is not really known for. It’ll be a tough task because landing combinations on Floyd is like trying to throw 10 straight completions against the NFL’s best defensive back. Floyd’s best chances will be to land one-two combinations and get in and out all night long. That’s when he’s at his best and sharpest. When Floyd stands and trades his punches get wide and his chin stays up in the air a little too much. That’s what happened with Corley. Chop Chop just didn’t really have the power to make Mayweather really pay for it.
Advantage: De La Hoya
Handspeed: Floyd may not have the fastest hands in the sport but nobody does it better at putting together the hand speed, sharp punching, and timing. That’s why his hand speed seems so impressive. Every punch counts and nothing is wasted. He definitely has the most ‘effective hand speed’ in boxing. He throws that straight right as quick and accurate as anyone I’ve ever seen. If De La Hoya gets frustrated early on Mayweather will pick him apart with his 2 and 3 punch combinations. The big question is how fast will he be at 154 lbs? De La Hoya, on the other hand, is not as fast as he once was but he’s still one of the 3 or 4 fastest fighters Mayweather has faced. Combine that with his size and power advantage and it makes him very dangerous. When he hurts an opponent is when De La Hoya is at his best. If Floyd gets rocked Oscar will definitely not give him the chance to recover. He’ll let those combinations fly and try to finish him.
