Chat Transcript
CBS SportsLine.com
June 21, 2001

De La Hoya has belts at junior lightweight, lightweight, junior welterweight and welterweight. (Allsport)

Champion fighter Oscar De La Hoya joined CBS SportsLine.com for a chat about trying to make history during his fight against WBC Super Welterweight Champion Javier Castillejo at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on June 23.

De La Hoya (33-2, 27 KO's) will be trying to join Hall of Famers Sugar Ray Leonard and Thomas Hearns as one of the only boxers in history to win world championships in five weight divisions. He is also hoping to become the youngest boxer (28 years old) to reach this feat in the quickest time (nine years). Leonard did it in 11 years at the age of 32 and Hearns completed the five in 13 years at the age of 33.

The fight is being broadcast by TVKO on pay-per-view. For more information, go to TVKO.com.

Oscar De La Hoya: Welcome everyone! I am looking forward to fighting on Saturday against Javier Castillejo. I feel great!

Question: Describe what winning championships in five weight classes would mean to you if you win this weekend at your championship fight?

Oscar De La Hoya: It would mean a lot! It is something that has only been done by two other boxers and I would be the first Hispanic. That means a great deal to me.

Question: Oscar did you train harder for this fight?

Oscar De La Hoya: I trained for this fight, for Castillejo, not necessarily harder. Fighters have different styles so with that comes different preparations.

Question: You've said your plan is to outclass Castillejo. How do you manage something like that?

Oscar De La Hoya: I don't know if I said I would "outclass" him. I am preparing for a battle and I will show him what speed and power are all about!

Question: Oscar will you ever use a stick and move strategy again like in the early part of the Trinidad fight or will you only be going for KO's?

Oscar De La Hoya: I have a different game now that Floyd Mayweather is training me. I am going to box him and I am going to fight him.

Question: Was the move up through the weight divisions any tougher at any particular jump in weight? Or was it more a matter of the individual opponents?

Oscar De La Hoya: The jump in weight gave me a little more flexibility with my eating habits. I feel more natural at this weight and full of energy. It certainly helps with my power. I feel stronger.

Question: Oscar, Why did you decide to fight in 5 different weight classes?

Oscar De La Hoya: It has always been a dream of mine to conquer six titles in five weight classes. My focus is on this fight. But the big dream is six in six different weight classes.

Question: If you win this weekends Championship Fight, who would you like to fight next?

Oscar De La Hoya: If I do win, I would like to face Vargas or get revenge against Trinidad or Mosely. But first I have to worry about Castillejo.

Question: Oscar do you think Fernando Vargas is ready to fight you?

Oscar De La Hoya: I think he needs to prove himself to me. I think he needs to win another title. But if he's the one... :-) Depending on what happens after this fight, I might call them all out. Vargas, Trinidad, or Mosely. Whatever order, bring 'em on!

Question: Oscar, you've said if you lose this fight, you'll retire. You'd still have 3-4 years to win the 5 and still be the youngest boxer to ever do so. Why would you consider retiring?

Oscar De La Hoya: Basically I am not going to lose to Castillejo. I have my mind set on him. I did say that I would retire but I will do well. I am not looking past this fight.

Question: How long does it take you to recover from a fight?

Oscar De La Hoya: Depending on the fight, I am a fighter who likes to hit and NOT get hit. With that being said, I recover very quick.

Question: Oscar, in studying Castillejo what do you feel will be his biggest weakness and how do you plan on exploiting it?

Oscar De La Hoya: He is a fighter who knows how to box but I don't think he is quick. I think my quickness and the power I will display will help me come out victorious.

Question: Besides yourself, who would you say is the best pound for pound boxer today?

Oscar De La Hoya: Trinidad would probably be the one. Mosely and Roy Jones.. oh and Bernard Hopkins too. They're all good.

Question: Oscar, what is your natural "walking around" weight?

Oscar De La Hoya: 158-159 usually.

Question: Who has been the most influential to your career?

Oscar De La Hoya: My mother has been the most influential in my career.

Question: What have been the "Highlights" of your Boxing Career up to this point?

Oscar De La Hoya: Winning the Gold medal in the Olympics. And, needless to say, becoming a World Champion as a professional.

Question: Would you want your son to follow in your footsteps and enter the fight game?

Oscar De La Hoya: I want my kids to do whatever they want to do. I would support them fully. I hope they get an education and seek a profession but I will be there to support them no matter what they decide.

Question: You looked great in your last fight. Aside from having a new trainer what has caused this very effective rededication to your craft?

Oscar De La Hoya: After I took my break after the Mosely fight, I had a chance to think about my boxing career and do other things I had not had a chance to do. It gave me a new outlook and appreciation for boxing and it made me want to get in the ring even more. I have the same desire to become a World Champion again, not to mention another weight class at 160. I feel I am fighting for the Olympic Gold Medal again.

Question: Describe what it's like Boxing in a Championship Fight?

Oscar De La Hoya: Pure, intense energy. My adrenaline pumps for as long as the bout lasts. I know the other opponent is trying to take my head off so I have to do it to him before he does it to me.

Question: Oscar you're a great singer are you going to make another CD?

Oscar De La Hoya: I will make another CD. Right now I am concentrating on my boxing career. I have boxing on my mind and hope to be singing when my boxing career has ended.

Question: Why Mayweather Sr?

Oscar De La Hoya: I interviewed several trainers with my family. He inspired me to train longer and harder. He is an old school type of trainer. I am chopping wood! This is something I needed for my next level of boxing.

Question: If you could write the script, how would this next fight go for you? What would be the story in the media the next morning?

Oscar De La Hoya: That I was successful in getting the belt from Castillejo. And accomplishing something that only two other fighters have done. And then move on to all comers!

Oscar De La Hoya: Make sure you catch me on TVKO on Saturday night. If you are in Las Vegas, come and join us at the MGM Grand Garden and see history in the making. I am ready to go! Thanks for joining me.