Power of Caring
  presented by CIGNA

Get ready for the September bombfest

Click here for more on this story

Posted: Tuesday September 14, 1999 08:28 AM

With the Oscar De La Hoya-Felix Trinidad fight less than a week away, the adrenaline rush is raging for boxing fans. And for all the right reasons. Two undefeated world champions in their prime who can punch.

Recently I was with De La Hoya at his training camp in California and he told me the magic words that have made this the most anticipated fight in years.

"I know it is going to be a bombfest," De La Hoya said.

Are you both going to be on the floor?

"If he catches me, he has the power to knock me down. But he will not knock me out. I can guarantee that."

Trinidad, meanwhile, trained at home in Puerto Rico where before leaving for Las Vegas he told us he is supremely confident he, not De La Hoya, will be the one to leave that ring Saturday night still undefeated.

"I'm sure I'm going to win because I'm a better boxer than Oscar is. He's been saying that I don't know how to box. And I do know on Sept. 18th I'm going to show him the real way of boxing."

Trinidad's a first-rate, two-handed puncher with a lethal right hand. But he needs to walk in to unload his power.

De La Hoya has to stop Trinidad in his tracks and take him out of his rhythm.

It is crucial De La Hoya fight much differently than when he beat the dangerous Ike Quartey. He has to move and use his right hand, two things both he and trainer Roberto Alcazar told me we can count on seeing.

As always, a critical element will be the jab. According to Oba Caar, who fought both men, De La Hoya has the faster hands. Oscar would be foolish to allow that advantage to be nullified by not punching in rapid combinations.

When Trinidad stops jabbing, he gets hit. And so whoever sets up their power punches better, will have an edge.

Both men have been down, so it may be a matter of who gets to whom first.

I think because De La Hoya's a faster starter he should go right after Trinidad and could knock him out early.

The longer it goes, the more confident Trinidad will become, knowing he's survived the blinding spotlight on the biggest stage of his life.

Trinidad is hitching his entire being to this fight. So based on need, his may be greater. However I believe De La Hoya fully understands this is the most dangerous fight of his career. He has power, speed and heart, and it will all come out in a complete performance that will win the night of Sept. 18.

My prediction: De La Hoya by knockout.

Nick Charles is the senior correspondent for CNN/SI, the 24-hour sports news network from CNN and Sports Illustrated. "Page One with Nick Charles," a show investigating the most current and compelling topics in sports, can be seen at 7:30 a.m. ET Sundays on CNN and at 9:30 a.m. ET Saturday on CNN/SI.

 

Related information
Multimedia
Visit Multimedia Central for the latest audio and video
Search our site	Watch CNN/SI 24 hours a day
	Sports Illustrated and CNN have combined to form a 24 hour sports news and information channel. To receive CNN/SI at your home call your cable operator or DirecTV.