by Ron Robbins

Created on: April 21, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

On Cinco de Mayo, May 5 2007, boxing fans around the world were treated to the sport's largest monetary grossing event to date, as the Golden Boy, Oscar de la Hoya entered the ring in Las Vegas to defend his WBC Welterweight championship. The challenger, widely known in the sport as the number one athlete pound for pound, Floyd Mayweather seemed somewhat of an underdog from the beginning, as he entered the arena sporting a Sombrero and Mexican regalia, clearly not impressing Oscar's Mexican fan-base with his Cinco de Mayo antics.

An unsteady silence spread over the crowd of over 13,000 live spectators.

As Oscar de la Hoya entered, illuminating the arena with a roar of cheering, his facial expression changed dramatically and displayed the disdain of his opponent's disrespectful mental ploy. Those of us who know boxing and people, could stare into Oscar's eyes and realize this was no game anymore. It was personal, and those who have stepped into the squared circle know this look of extreme focus well. It was the determined look of a champion prepared for the onslaught which would follow. The look of uncertainty combined with intense focal training.

The world would await no longer. The time for questions was over, but in the end; In this spectator's eye; no definitive answers. A split decision victory for the crafty and still undaunted new WBC Welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather, followed by cheers and eventually a roar of discontented boxing fans who suddenly realized "The New Champion" - was actually not their Golden Boy. It was a decision I thought could have gone either way.

While some may argue that Floyd masterfully out-boxed Oscar de la Hoya, embarrassing an aging legend, I would argue that he left questions to be answered in their coming September rematch. While many observers remember a one sided Mayweather victory, the trained eye would remember a boxing match only the experienced elite can produce.

A close, methodical battle that left you wondering if a Mayweather upset was at hand. And wondering if an upset was even possible. All of the elements of the "super-fight" we expected, and the following controversy you may also expect; As Floyd Mayweather Sr, portraying a look of discontent, announced during post fight interviews he felt his son lost the contest.

Well, so did I. My initial scoring of the fight was 115-113 for Oscar de la Hoya. I don't know about anyone else, but I'm sure looking forward to a cracking rematch in September. And if we're lucky, a rubber match.

I don't think anyone should be egotistical enough to proclaim themselves the greatest boxer in history as Floyd Mayweather does without first tasting defeat. Not many of the greats are undefeated, and it's because they've taken the chances in their careers that fans love to see.

Learn more about this author, Ron Robbins.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.