Retired boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya has declared himself to have the joint-top jab in boxing.
The fighter known as ‘The Golden Boy’ was a slick talent in the ring. Between 1992 and 2008 he won no fewer than 11 world titles in six different weight classes and was the lineal champion in three of those divisions, all of that coming after winning the gold medal in the lightweight category at the Summer Olympics of 1992.
In his 16-year career, he fought the likes of Mexican legend Julio César Chávez twice, Shane Mosely twice, Felix Sturm, Bernard Hopkins, Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr before later being trained by Floyd’s father, Floyd Senior.
Before getting involved in the sport as a promoter with his Golden Boy outfit and working with the likes of Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Ryan Garcia, his razor-sharp jab to body and head was a signature tool.
Now he has replied to a user on X who said they were ‘trying to explain the difference between a decent jab and an educated jab’ and asked ‘can any fighter or boxing personnel help describe the difference?’
De La Hoya, who recently claimed Terrence Crawford is currently the best boxer in the world, offered his services along with making the claim that his jab was the second-best in the game after the legendary Larry Holmes.
“Yes, I have the best jab next to Larry Holmes.”
Yes, I have the best jab next to Larry Holmes.
— Oscar De La Hoya (@OscarDeLaHoya) November 21, 2023
Holmes was celebrated for his long reach and fine jab throughout his career.
He used it to blind his opponents and it is, in part, what helped him beat the likes of Muhammad Ali on his way to becoming a world heavyweight champion from 1978 until 1985.
