Newz Forum: BOXING: De La Hoya to Fight Sturm for WBO Middleweight Title

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Associated Press - February 20, 2004

HAMBURG, Germany - Oscar de la Hoya will fight Felix Sturm for the WBO middleweight title June 5. Christoph Rybarczyk, spokesman for Sturm promoter Universum studios, said Friday the bout would happen but a venue has not been selected. HBO has agreed to televise the fight.

De La Hoya, who has won titles in five other weight classes, could add one in the middleweight division against Sturm (20-0, nine knockouts).

"The fight is perfect," Rybarczyk said.

De la Hoya wants to fight Bernard Hopkins later this year, which is expected to be one of the most lucrative bouts outside of the heavyweight division of all time.


[Edited on 22-2-2004 by Ocelot]

De la Hoya is the biggest name one could imagine in the middleweight classes. De la Hoya is 36-3 as a pro and has faced the likes of Julio Cesar Chavez, Felix Trinidad, Ike Quartey, Pernell Whitaker and Fernando Vargas during an illustrious career.When Felix gets a chance to box him, he needs a special preparation, including physical fitness and a mental strength he has not though of at any moment of his career yet.