De La Hoya Wins Again
World Boxing Organization lightweight champion Oscar De La Hoya successfully defended his title for the third time Saturday when he stopped challenger Johnny Avila in the ninth round at the Grand Olympic Auditorium.
De La Hoya (16-0, 15 knockouts) forced Avila to back off with several jabs and combinations. Referee Raul Caiz escorted Avila to Dr. Adam Karns at ringside.
Karns examined cuts above and below Avila’s eye and determined the fight could not continue at 1:07 of the ninth round.
"I'm already ready for Robinson," was De La Hoya's reaction when asked about his upcoming lightweight championship contest.
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"I occasionally agreed to carry an opponent, almost always in what is known as a tune-up fight. I never considered it morally wrong as long as I was winning the fight. I was never a killer, like some fighters. I never enjoyed knocking out a guy who I knew had no chance to beat me." Sugar Ray Robinson
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