All these years later, Quartey still recalls his heavily-hyped showdown with De La Hoya well.
“The fanfare and sheer size of the fight are memorable,” Quartey said. “I had finally arrived. (Top Rank promoter) Bob Arum heightened my brand in order to sell the fight. I was recognized in the streets of New York City. The sixth round was the most exciting because I was knocked down for the first time and I also knocked Oscar down in the same round sending Oscar a message that kept him on the retreat.”
De La Hoya nearly stopped Quartey in the 12th round. He had him draped on the ropes taking punishment, but Quartey showed enormous will to survive and finish the fight.
“My performance in the 12th round was the result of being inactive for about 15 months,” he said. “I was tired, but knew I had to close the show too. A lot of people believe I won the fight irrespective of the 12th round. I had piled up points before the 12th. It was Oscar’s first split decision. I watched an interview that Oscar gave after the fight and Oscar indicated during that interview that one of the reasons he left Bob Arum was that our fight was one he felt he should not have to take.”
Credit: ESPN