<P> Through the first eight rounds , the two boxers fought a largely tactical , defense - oriented match . Going into the deciding ninth round , Hopkins was well ahead on two of the judges ' official scorecards with scores of 79 -- 73 and 78 -- 74 , while De La Hoya held a narrow lead on the third with a score of 77 -- 75 . In the ninth , Hopkins began to aggressively attack De La Hoya , and with 1 : 34 left in the round , sent De La Hoya down with a well - executed left hook to De La Hoya 's liver . De La Hoya crumpled to the mat in pain and made no effort to answer the referee 's 10 - count as he was counted out at 1 : 38 of the round , giving Hopkins the knockout victory . For De La Hoya it was his first knockout loss in his professional career . It also remains the final knockout victory of Hopkins ' career to date . The nine wins he has picked up since have all been by way of decision . </P>
<P> Through the first eight rounds , the two boxers fought a largely tactical , defense - oriented match . Going into the deciding ninth round , Hopkins was well ahead on two of the judges ' official scorecards with scores of 79 -- 73 and 78 -- 74 , while De La Hoya held a narrow lead on the third with a score of 77 -- 75 . In the ninth , Hopkins began to aggressively attack De La Hoya , and with 1 : 34 left in the round , sent De La Hoya down with a well - executed left hook to De La Hoya 's liver . De La Hoya crumpled to the mat in pain and made no effort to answer the referee 's 10 - count as he was counted out at 1 : 38 of the round , giving Hopkins the knockout victory . For De La Hoya it was his first knockout loss in his professional career . It also remains the final knockout victory of Hopkins ' career to date . The nine wins he has picked up since have all been by way of decision . </P>
who won the fight between oscar dela hoya and bernard hopkins
who won the fight between oscar dela hoya and bernard hopkins
Hopkins
Hopkins