I just returned from the press conference for the Oscar De La Hoya/Steve Forbes fight this coming Saturday, entitled “Homecoming”. This is by far the biggest fight I have been able to cover, and I am very excited about it, to say the least.

Oscar, Bernard Hopkins, and Steve. Photo by Linda Peterson

First, because this was so different than other events I have been to, let me compliment those involved in planning the media lunch, which took place before the press conference. An excellent meal available before, during, and after. Amazing!!

There are two huge days of fighting action, both Friday and Saturday, and it was made clear to anyone who might not yet know that both days will be presented free. TeleFutura – Solo Boxeo will televise Friday night, which has Vicente Escobedo, (16-1, 11 KOs) facing Roberto Arrieta, (27-12-4, 10 KOs) in the TV main event.

“It’s going to be a very important night for me, especially being in the main event,” Escobedo said. “We’re exited to be here, and I can’t wait until Friday comes.” This fight is scheduled for 10 rounds. Following that there will be a live concert by Los Tucanes de Tijuana, and everything on this night will take place in the Home Depot Center’s tennis stadium.

Then of course, “Homecoming”. This will also be a free event for those fight fans at home. As long as you have HBO on your cable television, Saturday’s fights are at no extra cost.

The title of this event is no accident. De La Hoya has not fought here in Los Angeles since 2000, and his return to HBO’s World Championship Boxing comes after a seven-year absence. This will be held at the Home Depot Center’s soccer stadium, which seats 27,000. More will likely be in attendance, since there are now newly released production seats, which will be on the field itself.

Before everyone had spoken, De La Hoya was presented with a life-size statue, which will stand among Wayne Gretsky and Ervin “Magic” Johnson at Staples Center. No surprise that the actual statue was not there, but we did get to see a smaller one when it was presented to the COO and CFO of AEG, Dan Beckerman. All of Oscar’s friends, employees, and business partners chipped in to have the statue made. The smaller one was beautiful, and I can only imagine what the life-size one will look like.

Jeff Wald, promoter for the Tournament of Contenders, was able to say a few words. “This is the super bowl of boxing. Oscar De La Hoya, whether he has the belt or not, he is the acknowledged champion. For Stevie Forbes, since we’re in Hollywood, he won the Oscar, getting this fight.”

He went on to praise Golden Boy Promotions. “This is our fourth fight in conjunction with Golden Boy. Golden Boy, and I hope The Contender, are the future of boxing. What they have done for the sport, with their integrity, honesty, promotions and sponsorship support have been absolutely awesome.

“And Stevie Forbes,” he continued, “deserves this fight. Forbes has been a world champion. Because of that he took a great risk coming on The Contender, and was a gentleman the whole way. He fought everybody, and he’s earned his opportunity, and it’s going to be a great fight.”

Finally it was the fighters’ turn. Forbes was first. After thanking everyone, he said, “Man, what a ride. I worked my ass off my whole career and never really got an opportunity like this, so thanks to the Golden Boy team. I’ve read the reports you guys write,” he said. “You guys don’t know nothing. I’ll tell you that. You say, ‘I can’t and I won’t,’ I say ‘I can and I will.’”

He went on to explain how he was not expected to live when he was born, but he fought through that. He finished by saying, “So if you say ‘Forbes can’t compete with Oscar,’ you’re wrong. I can.”

De La Hoya of course, had his own opinions. “This is going to by my last year in boxing, and I have big plans to fight three times this year. But obviously, in order for that to happen I have to take care of business with Steve Forbes. I’m sure people have been talking about how this is going to be one of those tune-up fights. That’s not the case. I’ve learned my lesson with those so-called ‘tune-up fights’. I’ve been there, I’ve done that, and I’m taking Steve Forbes very seriously.”

He went on. “We know we have a tough job ahead. Steve Forbes is a difficult fighter; he’s a hungry fighter. He’s being trained at another level. He’ll be in shape and rise to that occasion. I know all that stuff already. That’s why I’ve prepared myself for this fight. I started training in January. I never in my wildest dreams thought I’d see 147 pounds again, but here I am, about a month and a half now at 147.”

Oscar then displayed his sense of humor. “When you say that Stevie Forbes is hungry, believe me, I’m hungry. I’m very hungry.” Serious again, he said, “So I know it’s going to be tough, but we’re ready for a good, hard fight.”

Let’s not forget the other contest of sorts. We also have brother against brother, with Floyd Mayweather, Sr. training De La Hoya, and Jeff Mayweather in the Forbes camp. Jeff replaced yet another brother Roger, when Floyd Jr. when Floyd was, shall we say, displeased at his uncle training Forbes. Ah, the intrigue continues.

Carrying on, I am also looking forward to a couple of fights on the undercard. My friend Freddie Curiel (18-6-2, 8 KOs) has a fight against Sven Paris (23-3, 16 KOs). I got to ask Curiel about his opponent. “He’s a tough guy with a good record. He’s got a few knockouts, but I don’t see him as a threat. I’ve worked too hard to let any man come take what I’ve been working for. God bless him, I wish him the best, but I have to kick it.”

Unfortunately, his wife Mariel did not come with him this time. Linda and I could have taken her shopping! Seriously, a nice girl and I miss seeing her.

Also on the undercard is Danny Garcia (5-0, 5 KOs). He fights Manuel Bocanegra (7-8-1 5 KOs) I got to see Garcia in January of this year, and man, was I impressed! This young fighter has never gone beyond two rounds, and I know anything can happen, but I sure wouldn’t bet against Danny.

Leading up to the special night, be sure to watch the Countdown Show on HBO. It has been on several times already, and will air a combined 19 times. It really is a great program. Then of course, the big show, the main event, the “Homecoming”. What a great night of boxing I expect this to be!

Be safe and God Bless,

Viva La Raza,

Barb.