Boxing Notebook: Trinidad-De La Hoya II?

Boxing Notebook: Trinidad-De La Hoya II?
By Carlos Guzman
Posted: 4:30 am PDT 2006-09-13

Oscar De La Hoya is looking for one more bout, and then he exits the boxing world as a fighter. The choices are very limited. Either fight the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet, Floyd Mayweather Jr., or find an opponent that together will pack a stadium. De La Hoya has found that someone in his old rival, Felix "Tito" Trinidad.

There is only on hitch -- Tito's retired.

The question is how you get Tito to go back on his word and fight one more time to settle the score. Oscar might have some good reasons, better yet maybe $20 million good reasons. This bout would blow away anything PPV has ever seen, and the fight is certainly easier then taking on a young lion in Mayweather Jr. But is Tito even in shape to fight?

"When I saw Tito I knew it was possible (the rematch),' De La Hoya said." The rumblings I'm getting on the island (Puerto Rico) is he's running everyday.'

I'm sure there will be a lot of stumbling blocks. De La Hoya feels negotiations with Mayweather might get more complicated then making a deal with Tito:

"My choice now is Floyd. But if it gets complicated, then I have Felix because he really wants that fight. I saw it in his eyes. The tension was in the air.'

If Trinidad-De La Hoya II gets made, the final complication becomes one of cultures. De La Hoya is of Mexican decent but lives in Puerto Rico. A Mexican-Puerto Rican promotion would help sell more tickets, but it also puts a damper on the relationship De La Hoya has established with the islanders. Sportsbook favorite would have to be the more active fighter in De La Hoya, and it would certainly make a fitting final battle for both great champions.

Barrera-Juarez II -- Out With The Old
Marco Antonio Barrera is the current WBC super featherweight champion. He has been in the game since 1989 and has held titles in four different weight divisions. This Saturday, Marco puts it all on the line in a rematch against Mexican/American Rocky Juarez -- who many feel won their first encounter just four months ago. But thanks to Barrera's impressive credentials, he's still a sportsbook favorite going into this battle.

I'm actually pulling for a Barrera victory so we can finally see Pacquiao-Barrera II. But Juarez is won't go gently, and after coming so close to the title I can assure you he's coming into this bout more confident then ever. But Juarez does tend to disappoint.

Did we already forget that Juarez was dominated by Zahir Raheem in 2004, but got a hometown decision? What about his disappointing performance against Humberto Soto? Hell, his performance against Barrera in May was nothing to write home about, either. I just don't think Juarez has that edge to be considered something special. No, even a faded Barrera beat him the first time, and he'll do it again more impressively.

Vivian Harris Vs. Miguel Cotto In Puerto Rico?
Miguel Cotto is in desperate need of an opponent for December, and the name heading his list is former 140-pound champion "Vicious" Vivian Harris.

Cotto is coming off of an impressive performance against Paulie Malignaggi at MSG. Cotto busted Malignaggi's eye socket, busted his jaw and caused all kinds of internal damage that will ruin a fighter. But Cotto killed himself to make weight, so he's ready to challenge all comers at welterweight. Well, not exactly.

Harris is coming off of an exciting victory over Steve Johnston, who was a late replacement for Mike Arnaoutis. In only his second televised bout in America, the Guyanese-born Harris scored several knockdowns throughout the bout, and his vaunted overhand right was pin-point accurate throughout the night. At 5-foot-11 and with a freakishly long 74" reach (almost 10" longer then Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton) -- a clash between Cotto and Vivian would be a great way to cap off the year.

I recently got an opportunity to speak with Harris to get his thoughts on a potential bout with Cotto and moving up to 147 pounds. Here is my exclusive video interview with Harris for your enjoyment: http://www.fightbeat.com/player2.php?FILENAME=55_vivian.swf

I think Cotto will be the odds-on favorite to win, but his chin is so suspect I think Harris has the skills to not only hurt but finish off a hurt Cotto. I'll get my suntan lotion ready, and I hope to see you in PR.

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