Eleven-time world champion Oscar De La Hoya has disclosed that the hardest punches he faced in the ring were from Ghana’s Ike Quartey.
Despite facing formidable opponents like Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao in his boxing career, Oscar De La Hoya claims that none hit harder than Ike Quartey. De La Hoya and Quartey clashed in 1999 for the WBC welterweight world title in a highly intense bout.
During the fight, Quartey managed to knock down De La Hoya with a powerful left hook in the third round. In response, De La Hoya retaliated by knocking down Quartey in the sixth round. Although Quartey experienced another knockdown, De La Hoya ultimately defended his title and secured a split decision victory.
Looking back on that remarkable fight after more than two decades, De La Hoya recently disclosed that Quartey’s punches had a significant impact on him and were the hardest he had ever encountered throughout his career.
“His punches were like bricks. He hit me and it would sting me,” De La Hoya told The Ring, as quoted by talkSPORT.
“Every punch he would hit me with, it would rattle me. Not only was it powerful, it was very consistent.”
Known by his nickname “Bazooka,” Ike Quartey had an outstanding amateur record with only four losses out of 50 fights. In his professional career, he established himself as one of the longest-reigning champions by holding the WBA welterweight title from 1994 to 1998.
Throughout his illustrious career, Quartey faced notable opponents such as Oscar De La Hoya, Fernando Vargas, Ronald Wright, and Verno Phillips. From the late 1980s to the mid-2000s, he became a prominent figure in the sport, earning recognition as a former WBA welterweight champion.
Quartey represented Ghana in the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games and subsequently went on to achieve remarkable success in his boxing career. Upon retirement, he boasted an impressive record of 42 fights, with 37 wins, 31 of which were by knockout, along with four losses and one draw.
Source: Pulse Ghana
