29 years ago

Date: 9th September 1995

Venue: Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada

Title: WBO World Lightweight Title

Promoter: Top Rank

Tv: TVKO HBO Pay-per-view

Oscar De La Hoya
( 18 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 135 lbs

Genaro Hernandez
( 32 - 0 - 1 )
Weight: 133 lbs

On Saturday, September 9th, 1995, boxing fans gathered at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada to witness a highly anticipated showdown between two undefeated fighters. The WBO World Lightweight Title bout featured the defending champion, "Golden Boy" Oscar De La Hoya (18-0-0), in his 5th title defense against challenger Genaro Hernandez (32-0-1). The event was promoted by Top Rank and aired on TVKO HBO Pay-per-view.

From the outset, De La Hoya showcased his superior power and speed, landing clean, powerful shots on Hernandez, who struggled to find a rhythm. As the fight progressed, De La Hoya's relentless attack began to take its toll on the challenger. Hernandez was unable to mount a significant offense, consistently being pushed back by the champion's precision and power.

By the sixth round, Hernandez's physical condition had visibly deteriorated. His gasps for breath could be heard at ringside, and blood seeped from his nose and sprayed from his mouth. Despite his valiant efforts, the challenger was unable to match the champion's intensity and skill, and the judges' scorecards reflected this disparity.

Through six rounds, the three judges had De La Hoya comfortably ahead on points. Judge Jerry Roth scored the fight 55-59, Judge Chuck Giampa had it 56-58, and Judge Mike Glienna also saw it 55-59. With no clear path to victory and his health on the line, Hernandez made the difficult decision to retire in his corner, unable to continue the bout.

Referee Richard Steele officially declared the fight over at 3:00 of the sixth round, awarding De La Hoya the victory by retirement. With this win, De La Hoya successfully defended his WBO World Lightweight Title for the fifth time, solidifying his place as one of the top fighters in the division.