Recently, Oscar de la Hoya sat down with me for a 1 hr 15 min NBC Sports television interview at his gym in Big Bear, CA. The mountain resort, elevation 7500 feet, has been de la Hoya's training grounds for Saturday night's bout. De la Hoya (39-5, 30 knockouts), a 10-time world champion in six different weight classes, is fighting the best pound for pound boxer in the world, Manny Pacquiao (47-3-2, 35), a four-time world champion in four different weight classes.
De la Hoya says a loss means he'll retire. Airing Saturday night at 9 PM EST on HBO PPV, De la Hoya - Pacquiao is predicted to be the second highest selling pay-per-view fight of all time - only behind De la Hoya - Mayweather 2007. Considering it costs $54.95 to order, that's a startling estimate given the terrible economy.
During the interview, de la Hoya spoke about Manny Pacquiao, retirement, why his rematch against Floyd Mayweather was canceled, the state of boxing, his tanning bed nightmare, and a crippling ingrown hair.
See video highlights below.
Golden Boy is Ready for Pacquiao:
On Retirement:
On Floyd Mayweather Controversy:
On Getting an Ingrown Hair:
The State of Boxing:
Put Boxing Back on Network Television:
A Tanning Bed Nightmare:
Entire Oscar de la Hoya Interview:
Graham Bensinger is an NBC Sports Correspondent. His website is www.GrahamBensinger.com. Email Graham at: Graham@TheGBShow.com.