More naturally talented: De La Hoya or Canelo?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by dmt, Apr 14, 2026.

  1. dmt

    dmt Hardest hitting hw ever Full Member

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    Who would you say was more talented: De La Hoya or Canelo? And why?
     
  2. DS Phil Hunter

    DS Phil Hunter Active Member Full Member

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    Oscar De La Hoya I've watched his complete career set including his amateur fights before the Olympics and even then he was an outstanding talent. For me he was at his best against Jesse James Leija in 1995. After he lost to Felix Trinidad in 1999 he wasn't the same. He looked good against Arturo Gatti in 2001 and Fernando Vargas a year later in 2002 but he was pretty much done after that.
     
  3. Greg Price99

    Greg Price99 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    I think ODLH was more naturally talented in terms of athleticism, speed, balance and co-ordination, enabling him to simultaneously move his feet and throw fluid combinations to a greater extent than Canelo.
     
    Last edited: Apr 15, 2026
  4. Titan1

    Titan1 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Oscar.
     
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  5. NoNeck

    NoNeck Pugilist Specialist

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    I feel like Oscar was winging it more, changing style and trainer for every fight, whereas Canelo maintained the serious discipline needed for him to have an ATG career.

    So I guess Oscar had more natural talent.
     
  6. NoNeck

    NoNeck Pugilist Specialist

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    It’s a lot easier to look good against Leija than Mayweather, and I’m not saying he didn’t against Mayweather.
     
  7. robert ungurean

    robert ungurean Богдан Philadelphia Full Member

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    At there best I thought Canelo looked smoother but Oscar was better. Oscar had a unusual rythem about him. Hard to explain
     
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  8. JohnThomas1

    JohnThomas1 VIP Member

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    Troll better. Mayweather was a whopping 12 years after Leija as well as three divisions up. Mayweather had been fighting 11 years, Oscar 15. Mayweather was also 4 years younger.

    Bit easier to look great at the Leija career stage than the Mayweather one!
     
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  9. NoNeck

    NoNeck Pugilist Specialist

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    Yeah, it's easier to look good against a midget top ten contender than a top 10 ATG. Deal with it.
     
  10. AwardedSteak863

    AwardedSteak863 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Oscar for sure. He had insane handspeed and one of the best left hands in the history of the sport. For all the Golden boy bull****, The dude could also hit another gear and fight like a junkyard dog when he needed to.

    I like Canelo as well but Oscar was more gifted imo. I will also add that Oscar never ducked anyone and also went after the best in every weight class that he competed in. Canelo won't go near Benavidez which is very disappointing.
     
    Last edited: Apr 16, 2026
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  11. dmt

    dmt Hardest hitting hw ever Full Member

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    Canelo also avoided GGG until the later showed signs of slowing down.
     
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  12. Seamus

    Seamus Proud Kulak Full Member

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    Oscar was blessed. And he routinely lined up the hardest fights possible.
     
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  13. Boxed Ears

    Boxed Ears this my daddy's account (RIP daddy) Full Member

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    Are John and Neck actually even disagreeing, really?