I like De La Hoya on points, in a tight contested match where DLH wins (too) many of the rounds, but all were close.
I think Palomino stands a very good chance in this one, certainly better than the more limited Tito did. Palomino was a better boxer than Tito, more skilled and poised in the center of the ring, with a better jab. While Tito held the power edge, Palomino was the better, tougher, sturdier infighter with just as lethal a left hook to the body. The fact that he devoted time to consistent body work, particularly with that left hook, and breaking the opponent down would give him a much better chance of slowing Oscar late in order to close the distance on the cards (provided Oscar was even comfortably ahead in the first place, which isn't as much a given in my book as it is everyone else's) or even pull out a late stoppage over 15. A prime Oscar goes the distance IMO though, over 12 I'd probably even favor him to take a close decision with Carlos coming on late. Over 15 I'm going to favor Carlos though.
I think this is one Oscar can win, he'd likely do so by flurrying and using his very good and stiff jab. Over 15 definitely Palomino though for me, that extra strength would tell, and so would that aggregate pressure and superior combo punching. One man never fought 15, so the fight is over 12? Oscar for me.
Delahoya speed is a major factor here. Palomino would make a late surge but ODLH dominance in the early and Mid rounds is puts him well ahead. If it goes 15 i still like ODLH but the decision might be close. Either way 118-111 ODLH or 145-141 ODLH.
Palomino was a good, solid fighter but wasn't the most talented. Oscar had much more talent, speed, and hit as hard, maybe harder than palomino. While I don't see oscar knocking him out because of carlos' strong chin, i do see him scoring a one-sided decision whether it be over 12 or 15 rounds(although it might be closer over 15). Just too much speed and ability for palomino to deal with.
Agreed. Palomino might be able to catch up a bit in the late rounds but I suspect that he would be too far behind by then.
No question Oscar was more talented and had heavy hands as well and I like him over 12 as he outboxes Carlos, but we've never seen him over 15 and we KNOW he's not knocking Carlos out. There could be a surprise there as Carlos is one of the most rugged(jeez I keep using that word) welters there is.
Palomino has a very good chance of equalizing things and even winning over the 15 round route...being steadier than Oscar.
