Univision, Oscar Dela Hoya & A Fight.

Univision Sports announced that five-time World Champion, Oscar De La Hoya (32-2-26 KO’s), will resume his boxing career in March in a 12-round welterweight fight against Arturo Gatti (33-4-27 KO’s). The exact location and date in March will be announced later this month.

“Golden Boy” De La Hoya, who started training today at his facility in Big Bear, California, stated, “I am full of fire and desire and looking forward to fighting Arturo Gatti in March. It’s exciting to start the new millennium with my new trainer, Floyd Mayweather, Sr., and my new promoter, Jerry Perenchio and Univision Sports. I intend to get into the best shape of my career and with their help regain my title as the greatest pound-for-pound fighter in the world. After Gatti, I plan to move up to super welterweight at 154 lbs.”

Gatti, who is managed by Pat Lynch and promoted by Gary Shaw of Main Events, has begun training in New York. Gatti, 28, a two-fisted power puncher with 27 knockouts to his credit, said, “I am very excited to fight Oscar De La Hoya. I guarantee I will be at my best.”

Oscar De La Hoya, 27, has an exceptional career record of 32 victories and 26 knockouts against 12 world champions. In his career, De La Hoya has lost only twice, in very close split decisions; September, 1999 to Felix Trinidad, and June, 2000 to “Sugar” Shane Mosley. In early 2000, De La Hoya defeated Derrell Coley to win his fifth world title.

Gatti has recorded 33 victories and 27 knockouts. In his last bout on September 8, 2000 against then-undefeated Joe Hutchinson, Gatti boxed for the first time as a professional in his hometown of Montreal, Canada, winning with a unanimous decision. In August 1998, Gatti lost a 10 round split-decision to Ivan Robinson. Gatti went on to win against his next three opponents – Reyes Munoz, Joey Gamache and Eric Jakubowski, all within two rounds. In March 1996, Gatti defeated Feliciano Correa and Calvin Grove. In his second title defense, Gatti battled Wilson Rodriguez on March 15, 1996 in Madison Square Garden in what was later called the “Fight of the Year.” In December 1995, Gatti defeated Tracy Patterson for the IBF junior lightweight championship. Gatti won his first professional title on June 28, 1994 at The Meadowlands when he defeated USBA junior lightweight champion Pete Taliaferro. Gatti turned pro on June 10, 1991, scoring a third-round TKO over Jose Gonzalez.

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