De la Hoya outclasses Forbes

05.05.2008

Multiple world champion and overwhelming favourite, Oscar de la Hoya registered a unanimous decision victory over fellow American Steve Forbes in a non-title bout.

In a high-paced 12-round contest at the Home Depot Centre in Los Angeles, De la Hoya dominated with his nimble footwork, sharp jabs and telling combinations to improve his career record to 39-5 with 30 knockouts.

Two judges gave De la Hoya the fight by 119 points to 109 with the other giving him the verdict 120-108.

The 35-year-old L.A. native, who has won world titles in six different weight divisions, was rarely troubled in a bout widely viewed as a tune-up for his rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr in September.

Back in the ring for the first time since his split decision defeat by Mayweather in Las Vegas 12 months ago, De la Hoya dominated the last two rounds with a flurry of jabs to wrap up victory. Former IBF super featherweight champion Forbes went into the fight as a heavy underdog with his opponent an 18-1 favourite.