Oscar De La Hoya, a name synonymous with boxing greatness, faced a constellation of stars throughout his career, including Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. However, in a surprising revelation, the “Golden Boy” has identified Pernell Whitaker as the most skilled pugilist he ever faced, surpassing even those two giants of the sport.
One of the most significant lessons De La Hoya learned came from his controversial encounter with Whitaker in 1997. Although De La Hoya was declared the winner by unanimous decision, many observers and critics believed that Whitaker, the defending WBC welterweight world champion, deserved the victory.
Whitaker’s ability to dodge punches and his precision in the ring left a lasting impression on De La Hoya, who, in an interview with The Ring magazine, described him as the most skilled fighter he ever faced. This statement carries even more weight considering that De La Hoya also fought Mayweather and Pacquiao, two of the most exceptional talents in boxing history.
De La Hoya’s admiration for Whitaker
De La Hoya’s admiration for Whitaker centers on the four-division champion’s ability to control the ring and anticipate his opponent’s moves. “Whitaker had to be one of the most skillful fighters in any generation—the fact he could stay right in front of you and still slip punches. Whitaker wasn’t a runner; he was just someone who stood right in front of you and knew how to slip. Whitaker knew how to knock you out, too. Punching power, skill, I.Q.—Whitaker had it all. He’s probably one of the all-around best boxers I faced,” De La Hoya said.
12 Apr 1997: Oscar De La Hoya lands a right to Pernell Whitaker during a fight at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. De La Hoya won the fight by decision. Mandatory Credit: Al Bello /Allsport
De La Hoya: Beyond strength and speed
The distinction De La Hoya makes between skill and other boxing attributes is crucial. While he recognized Mayweather as the smartest fighter with the best footwork and Pacquiao as the best overall, it was Whitaker’s ability to evade punches and manipulate the ring that set him apart.
see also
Mexican boxing legend makes honest prediction ahead of Canelo vs Crawford fight
Whitaker’s legacy in boxing
Pernell Whitaker’s career, which concluded in 2001 with a record of 40 wins and just four losses, is a testament to his exceptional talent. His tragic passing in 2019, after being hit by a car, left a void in the boxing world. However, his legacy as one of the most skilled boxers of all time lives on, bolstered by the praise of such a prominent opponent as Oscar De La Hoya.
