Who the Athletes and Celebs Like for De La Hoya vs. Mayweather

Here’s a nice little list compiled by the PR crew for the fight of the century (check back tomorrow for my pick and analysis)

Peeps Liking the Golden Boy

1. Donald Trump – “Oscar has always been under-rated—he will win!”
2. Vinny from Entourage – “Hmmmmmmhmmmm, De La Hoya.”
3. Chris Tucker – “I love both of them…Oscar.”
4. Jeremy Piven – “Oh man, you know, that’s a tough one you know because Mayweather may be the pound for pound best. But I love Oscar and I love his heart. I’m gonna have to go with Oscar. I want De La Hoya and I’m not a gambling man because I bet with my heart, so I say De La Hoya.”
5. Justin Verlander – “Oscar De La Hoya is going to take this one. He’s a boxing legend and it could be his last fight. He’s going out on top.”
6. Roberto Duran – “De La Hoya has the stronger punch. Mayweather is not used to facing bigger men. [ Carlos] Baldomir didn’t have the talent of De La Hoya and Mayweather couldn’t finish him. If De La Hoya cuts him early, Mayweather is going to be limited. De La Hoya by decision.”
7. Sugar Ray Leonard – “As far as my prediction, I lean toward Oscar. I’ve changed my mind a couple of times. But Oscar has a little bit more desire, strength, size. Oscar has never one that big one, the most defining moment in his career. I think that this allows him to rise to the occasion. But if Mayweather wins then he can be called great, because right now it’s premature, but if he beats Oscar that label fits him fine.”

Peeps Liking Pretty Boy Floyd

1. Dale Earnhardt Jr. – “Mayweather has a huge edge in a few key areas—speed and defense being two. Floyd is closer to the prime of his career and Oscar is way past his. I like the fact that Oscar was willing to take this fight. It would be a great story if he should stop Mayweather. Mayweather will be just too much for him to handle though. It might go the distance with a small percentage of a TKO in the late rounds. Win to Mayweather.”
2. LeBron James – “Mayweather”
3. Bow Wow – “Mayweather is going to win. Pound for pound he’s the best. And I like his style, he is young, rich, and flamboyant. I like the fact that he is confident. And his drive and passion for what he does. Plus DeLaHoya can’t take the speed. That’s what’s going to kill him.”
4. Barry Sanders – “Floyd wins because he is young and hungry. The fight will be close and goes the distance because Oscar raises his game to the level of his opponents and the challenge especially when he fights in his weight class. Both are too good to allow the other to dominate.”
5. LaDainian Tomlinson – “I’m a big boxing fan so hopefully I’ll be there. Man it’s tough, you know. It’s hard to go against Floyd because he hasn’t lost a fight and he’s pound-for-pound the best fighter in the world. And I think Oscar’s gotta have a good game plan against Floyd. If he does that, I think he’ll have a chance. But I’m gonna go with Floyd.”
6. Caron Butler – “Mayweather is the best fighter of this era. He has overcome adversity, works hard, and will win on Saturday night.”
7. Willis McGahee – “Mayweather is going to dominate the whole fight. He’s going to knock De La Hoya out.”
8. Vernon Wells – “I gotta go with Floyd Mayweather Jr. He’s one of the best, pound for pound. De La Hoya’s getting a little old. I’m gonna go with Floyd.”
9. Justin Morneau – “They don’t call you the best in the world unless you can back it up. Mayweather without a doubt. He’s so fast and elusive in the ring. Oscar is not going to be able to pull this one off.”
10. Julius Jones – “Mayweather’s speed and power will be too much for Oscar to handle. Oscar is tough and prideful…this will work against him as he’ll be standing toe-to-toe and taking Mayweather’s best shots. Mayweather in a unanimous decision. Oscar hits the canvas at least once.”
11. Jermain Taylor – “I’m looking forward to seeing De La Hoya and Mayweather on May 5th. I think is going to be a great fight and it’s a fight that’s good for boxing, but I think Floyd’s speed and youth will work well for him in this fight. I think the fight will go 12 rounds with Floyd winning a close decision over De La Hoya.”

Seems pretty clear who the favorite is … Check back tomorrow for my analysis and pick.