What was Oscar Delahoya’s best performance?

The first Chavez fight is probably the best version of DLH, in terms of putting it all together.

 

The fight with Miguel Angel Gonzalez.

 

Dela Hoya looked extremely sharp against Miguel Angel Gonzales. Combinations, speed, power, footwork, defense and everything behind an amazing jab.

 

I think his best win was the win against Quartey. That was a very tough physical fight that he earned a lot of respect for. The night of the fight I scored it for Quartey but the way Oscar fought that 12th round was something that I will always remember and hold him in high regard as a fighter for. He fought his ass off that night.

 

He fought with hunger at the end. I too had Quartey winning the fight. He won too many rounds after the 6th behind his jab not to get the nod I felt.

 

I had DLH winning against Ike as did the rest of the non partial room I watched it with. Oscar showed a deep well that night against an extremely dangerous opponent.

 

I always go back to the Hernandez fight. He was fighting a veteran badass champ full of pride and wasnt there to lose. Oscar dismantles and embarrasses him. Makes him quit.

The movement and particularly head movement, plus super smooth, accurate combinations are notable.

 

I'd say Whitaker, despite the fact he didn't deserve the decision. He looked at his fastest

 

My personal favorite is his beating of Fernando Vargas.

 

He took a real beating around the ring from that kitchen utensil and still came back for more. Impressive heart and courage

 

Can't believe this thread has made it this far without any mention of Rafael Ruelas.

He was boxing beautifully for a round and a half with a piercing jab, short hooks while moving away, and excellent three-tier defense (head movement, blocks/parries, and footwork). Then, a minute into round two he knocks him into outer space to cement his claim at 135.

 

Though his biggest and most defining wins (Quartey and Vargas) came at the higher weights, I think De la Hoya peaked as an all-round fighting specimen at 135 and 140, albeit he was helped in looking better at these weights in part due to his competition which, while good, wasn't as good as what he faced at 147 and 154.

At 135 and 140 he was huge at the weight, fought a lot less tight and a lot more relaxed / free-flowing, and was just as comfortable boxing and brawling. He had that extra bit of speed and sharpness at the lower weights, and didn't fade in later rounds, which was a real problem for him once he got to Welterweight and beyond.

Any of Ruelas, the first Chavez fight or Gonzalez were the absolute best we saw of Oscar, in my opinion. But the Quartey and Vargas fights were quality performances in their own right as well - not as dominant or punch-perfect, but showcased his other, less tangible qualities against guys he couldn't just outsize or overpower.

 

Genaro Hernandez