De La Hoya counting days to big fight

Dean Juipe

Thursday, Sept. 5, 2002 | 9:06 a.m.

Within the context of being enthused about his pending fight with Fernando Vargas, Oscar De La Hoya can, at times, sound a bit melancholy.

At the very least he comes across as reflective at the age of 29, realizing it's boxing that initially made him famous and it's boxing that defines his existence in the public eye.

"It was a whole lot different when I was younger," he said during a conference call. "Back then you want to win titles and win money, but now I'm not thinking about world titles or the money.

"It feels very gratifying to know I do have all those wins under my belt, but there's something missing. I have to beat Vargas."

De La Hoya, 34-2 and the World Boxing Council champion at 154 pounds, takes on Vargas, 22-1 and the World Boxing Association champion at the same weight, Sept. 14 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. Both men are due to arrive in Las Vegas from their separate training camps in Big Bear, Calif., on Monday.

De La Hoya is a minus 210 betting favorite, with Vargas a plus 170.

Each has been active in promoting the fight and tickets have moved accordingly, with a Mandalay Bay official saying this week that only "a few" remain.

"It feels wonderful and I'm very pleased with the work he's done," De La Hoya said of being aligned, once again, with promoter Bob Arum. "In my eyes, he's the best promoter in the world."

That, of course, is in contrast to how De La Hoya felt two or three years ago, but, here again, De La Hoya -- who once balanced a singing career and designs on Hollywood with his boxing duties -- appears to be standing back and taking a good look at himself.

"I've always had a very loyal following and my fights always sell out," he said. "I represent the image of someone who worked hard and wanted to succeed in life.

"I've come to realize what's important to me. The personal satisfaction I will get from this fight and getting this win under my belt will be great."

Saying "I think of my opponent every day," De La Hoya insists he'll be victorious and credits trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr. with supplying a little extra motivation.

"I have to admit it gets difficult to be up for every fight," De La Hoya said. "But with Mayweather, I have no choice.

"We've worked on a lot of new things that people are going to see. I'm going to give Vargas some different angles and I feel very confident that I will dominate."

He said a victory would be "one of the last defining moments of my career," although he still harbors hope for a rematch with Shane Mosley and another with Felix Trinidad (if he comes out of retirement) and perhaps a grand finale with Bernard Hopkins at 160 pounds.

"Boxing got me here and I want to end it with a bang," he said of what's in store in the next year or two.

Mayweather said not to worry about Vargas disrupting any plans.

"If Oscar does what he should, it's a very easy fight," Mayweather said. "Vargas is going to be coming forward and when he does he should find something at the gate."