[2] In his previous fight on April 12, 1997, Oscar De La Hoya had scored arguably his biggest victory over the number-two ranked pound-for-pound fighter Pernell Whitaker by unanimous decision, capturing Whitaker's WBC welterweight title and becoming a four-division world champion at only 24-years old.

[4] Prior to facing Kamau, De La Hoya, dissatisfied with his performance against his prior two opponents, Whitaker and Miguel Ángel González, dismissed his defensive-minded trainer Jesus Rivero and hired the highly regarded Emanuel Steward, known to implement a more offense orientated style of boxing, as his new trainer in early May.

Steward expressed excitement on getting to work with De La Hoya stating "Oscar is the one I’ve been dreaming about.

Largely unknown, Kamau came into the fight as a heavy underdog, though he nevertheless expressed confidence "I don't step into a ring to lose.

Clearly hurt from the exchange, Kamau remained on his knees, unable to get back up, as he was counted out, giving De La Hoya the victory by knockout at 2:54 of the round.