The World Awaits II: Oscar De La Hoya Challenges Floyd Mayweather to Rematch

Oscar De La Hoya, at 35 years and counting, he's not getting much older and the possibility of a retirement seems much more likely. Floyd Mayweather Jr, brimming with confidence and high regards for his execution of England's Ricky Hatton, presumably is the betting favorite once more...

"The World Awaits," a popular golden banister used in the promotion build up to May 2007's record-breaking box office year. It was one of the most brilliantly crafted build-ups to a fight in the history of the sport. HBO launched its first 24/7 preview with the over-confident, flashy and flamboyant Floyd Mayweather Jr. and his tirade of verbal assaults.

Initially, the hype anticipated to exceed financial records as both Mayweather and De La Hoya each promised knockout victories. Although the two combatants gave a hell of an effort, the PPV unfortunately did not live up to the expectations of many boxing fans. Oscar gave one of his most spirited performances in years. He chased the younger Mayweather in circles and fired combinations as Floyd laid back, counter-punched and outboxed the older De La Hoya. Mayweather never lost his cool and took an obvious decision; remaining undefeated in 2007, closing out the year with a 10th round knockout of Ricky Hatton.

For Oscar, 35, (38-5 30KOs) this is clearly the "fight of his life," as he often admits, but before his proposed bout against Mayweather, he's elected to take a tune up fight to further crispin the strategy of his fight game. There aren't many out there with a style similar to Floyd's or at least the ability to execute it in the same format. Perhaps a tune-up can still prove significant in Oscar's return fight with Floyd...

Mayweather is on the cusp of becoming a public figure. His hardwork and dedication to the sport (a lifetime of commitment) has paid off in tremendous dividends. After the defeat of Oscar De La Hoya on his biggest stage yet, he emerged into the public eye & for certain solidified himself as the best fighter in the sport, pound 4 pound. Over the course of a 12 year career, Floyd has won world titles in (5) different weight classes: Super-featherweight, lightweight, junior-welterweight, welterweight & junior-middleweight. Undefeated in 39 pro fights, Mayweather has turned adversity into opportunity - stopping 25 of his opponents and thoroughly dominating the other 14 over clear decision victories.

Will the rematch be any different?

Mayweather will be who he is, slick, fast, effective all around the board. His opponents often find themselves adjusting to his tempo. One of the biggest questions going into the fight was, "If Oscar lands a big left hook, how will Mayweather respond?" But De La Hoya never got one off - at least not anything capable of destroying Floyd's impeccable defensive ability. What's next?