‘Ike Quartey’s punches were like bricks; they were the hardest and most consistent’ — Oscar De La Hoya

In a revelation of his boxing career, eleven-time world champion Oscar De La Hoya has acknowledged that the hardest and most consistent punches he ever received in the ring came from Ghanaian boxer Ike Quartey.

De La Hoya, who faced some of the greatest boxers in his career, including Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, made the revelation about Quartey's powerful punches during an interview with ‘The Ring’, as quoted by talkSPORT.

The two boxing icons clashed in 1999 in a memorable bout for the WBC welterweight world title.

The fight proved to be a true spectacle, with Quartey dropping De La Hoya in the third round with a powerful left hook.

The American, in turn, reciprocated by knocking down the Ghanaian in the sixth round.

Despite Quartey's resilience, De La Hoya defended his title with a split-decision victory.

Reflecting on the encounter after two decades, De La Hoya shared his story about Quartey's punching power, describing them as "bricks."

He emphasized that every punch from Quartey would sting and rattle him, highlighting the consistent and powerful nature of the Ghanaian's punches.

"His punches were like bricks. He hit me and it would sting me. Every punch he would hit me with, it would rattle me. Not only was it powerful, it was very consistent," De La Hoya revealed.

Nicknamed the Bazooka, Ike Quartey boasted an impressive amateur record with only four losses in 50 fights.

During his professional career, he held the WBA welterweight title from 1994 to 1998, making him one of the longest-reigning champions in that division.

Quartey faced strong opponents such as De La Hoya, Fernando Vargas, Ronald Wright, and Verno Phillips in his illustrious career.

Representing Ghana at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, Quartey left an indelible mark on the sport, retiring with a record of 42 fights, 37 wins (31 by knockout), four losses, and one draw.