I thought Pernell Whitaker won it from what I saw, but he ran late thinking he was ahead so he cant complain too much as it was a close fight and he was too busy trying to survive the last few rounds instead of trying to win them.
It could go either way, bottom line is a prime Sweet Pea would have taken Oscar out. I say TKO 10 of 12 Whitaker.
Close. I didn't score this one but I can see people being swayed by Oscar's greater and more visible punch output. Whitaker's defensive skill was still brilliant, (regardless of what the HBO announcers say when Whitaker dodges 10 straight punches and they make it sound like every one hit) but his offensive timing was off and he had trouble dealing with Oscar's reach. One moment summed up the fight for me: Whitaker missed a shot on Oscar that De La Hoya was wide open for and literally stomped his feet on the ground in frustration because he should have been able to hit Oscar but didn't. Story of the fight, Sweet Pea should have been able to take it handily but he was off his best just a little too much.
Somewhere later in the fight... 8th round I think. Maybe 9th. As I remember it Sweet Pea tried a right hand counter when Oscar was out of position and it went sailing by Oscar's chin. Pea literally stopped, stood straight up out of a crouch, and made a motion like he wanted to slam his hand into a desk or something.
I watched this fight for the first time and scored it yesterday. Gave it to Oscar by 1 round, some shouting robbery or gift are over the top, it was a very close fight. De La Hoya landed more hurtful shots, Pernell was too boring and not aggresive enough. If it wern't for Pernell's point deduction for an accidental headbutt and him not just running for the last round then I would have had him winning it, as it was though I don't think he did enough and maybe Oscar did, just about.
It's people like you that gives this place a bad rep. Whitaker couldn't knock anybody in his prime safe for a chinny Hurtado ( but was that even in his prime ). He wouldn't have hurt De La Hoya who has a proven solid chin.
The only thing I see as controversial about this fight is the margin that Oscar won by. I had him winning, but with a closer score.
I think DLH won, clear but close. People who go for Whitaker are simply showing their anti-Hoya bias. It just shows how great Whitaker actually was, to give a peak DLH a great fight. PW wasn't particularly judge friendly, hence why I always believe (and always will) that he would lose to Mayweather. The two best guys I have seen (along with RJJ and perhaps Ali) at making people miss.