If instead if facing Mayweather, we saw De La Hoya and Cory Spinks in a unification clash, who do you think would have come out on top. I used to always consider Oscar the best LMW in the world at this point but now I'm not so sure. Would Spinks have had enough to box his way to victory on this night.
De La Hoya basically beat everyone who wasn't elite level. Cory had an underrated career but never was as good as anyone who beat De La Hoya (DLH looked bad against Sturm but he was too small for that weight). So I'd go with Oscar.
Oscar faded late though and Spinks had a good style to offset his jab, especially down the stretch. Oscar was in a very close fight with Sturm, stopped by Hopkins and was in a mismatch with Mayorga. His fight with Floyd was close because for the first 4 rounds he could impose his size, against Spinks he would be able to do that. Verno managed to bully Spinks, as would Williams imo but Oscar didn't fight that way.
Oscar could fight aggressively when needed. Spinks would have a chance, but he pretty clearly should be the underdog.
I think I'd favour De La Hoya just about but wouldnt write Spinks off at all. I'd favour Floyd to outbox him but Oscar is in a real fight here.