28 years ago

Date: 18th January 1997

Venue: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada

Title: WBC World Super-lightweight Title

Promoter: Top Rank

Referee: Mills Lane

Tv: TVKO HBO Pay Per View

Oscar De La Hoya
( 22 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 140 lbs

Miguel Angel Gonzalez
( 41 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 140 lbs

The January 18, 1997, clash between Oscar De La Hoya and Miguel Ángel González at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas was not only a showdown between two undefeated fighters but also a warm-up bout for De La Hoya's upcoming WBC World welterweight title meeting with Pernell Whitaker. Promoted by Top Rank and broadcast on HBO Pay-Per-View, the bout attracted considerable attention as it marked De La Hoya's first WBC Super Lightweight title defence. Both fighters weighed in at the 140-pound limit, with referee Mills Lane tasked with maintaining order in the ring.

De La Hoya established himself as the superior technician from the opening bell. His speed and sharp combinations kept González on the defensive, with the Mexican challenger struggling to match the champion's speed. De La Hoya displayed masterful footwork, gliding around the ring and making González miss with wild hooks while countering with crisp jabs and well-timed right hands. González, however, showed resilience and determination, attempting to close the distance and turn the fight into a rugged contest.

In the middle rounds, González increased his aggression, but his inability to match De La Hoya's precision left him frustrated. A turning point came in the seventh round when referee Mills Lane deducted a point from González for hitting behind the head while holding. It was a moment that visibly deflated González, who was already trailing on the scorecards. Despite this setback, González continued to press forward, landing occasional body shots and attempting to wear down De La Hoya.

By the championship rounds, De La Hoya's left eye was showing significant swelling, the result of a well-timed right hand from González. However, the challenger failed to capitalize on the opening. Another point deduction followed in the twelfth round when González hit De La Hoya on the break, further widening the gap on the scorecards. These infractions highlighted González's growing frustration as De La Hoya continued to pick him apart with calculated precision.

The final bell rang with little doubt about the outcome. De La Hoya had dominated the fight with his cleaner punching, superior movement, and overall ring generalship. The official scorecards read 117-109 (Anek Hongtongkam), 117-110 (John Keane), and 117-111 (Bob Logist), all in favour of De La Hoya. Statistically, the disparity was apparent—De La Hoya landed 361 of 561 punches for an impressive 64% accuracy, while González managed to land just 251 of 751 punches thrown, a 34% success rate.

In the aftermath, De La Hoya cemented his status as one of boxing's rising superstars, proving that his transition to the super lightweight division was seamless. For González, the loss was a harsh reality check after an impressive unbeaten run, but his grit and refusal to fold under De La Hoya's sustained pressure earned him respect from fans and pundits alike.