WBC honors Oscar De La Hoya as "Boxer of the Decade."

Oscar De La Hoya's biography.

Oscar De La Hoya's bout-by-bout career boxing record.

WBC honors Oscar De La Hoya as "Boxer of the Decade."

June 24, 2001 -- WBC president, José Sulaimán, awarded Oscar De La Hoya as the "Boxer of the Decade" during a presentation in the MGM Grand before his championship fight with Javier Castillejo.

That award was the highest honor ever giving out by the WBC organization.

"He is the most popular and the most spectacular fighter of the 90's." said Sulaimán.

De la Hoya, who was thrilled about the honor, was all smiles when Sulaimán handed him the plaque.

"I want to give thanks to Mr. Sulaimán, the WBC organization and all of the Latin and Mexican people for their support they have given me throughout my career." said De La Hoya.

De La Hoya fought Javier Castillejo of Spain for the WBC super welterweight title and defeated him by unanimous decision.

De La Hoya dominated the fight throughout and knocked down Castillejo in the final seconds of the fight. All three judges had it 119-108 in favor of De La Hoya.

The win gives De La Hoya major titles at 130, 135, 140, 147 and now 154 pounds, putting him in the same company with greats Sugar Ray Leonard and Thomas Hearns, who also won five titles in five divisions.

"To be included with Hearns and Leonard is history, but I want one more (at 160)," he said.

De La Hoya is eager to revenge his loss to Trinidad and is willing to move up to 160 to challenge the Puerto Rican champion.