Boxing Legend Oscar De La Hoya Criticizes Devin Haney Post-Lopez Fight

James

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Post on Jun 06, 2025

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Boxing Legend Oscar De La Hoya Slams Devin Haney's Performance Against Vasiliy Lomachenko

Oscar De La Hoya, a boxing icon himself, didn't pull any punches in his criticism of Devin Haney's performance following his controversial victory against Vasiliy Lomachenko on May 20th, 2023. The fight, a highly anticipated clash of styles and generations, left many fans and experts questioning the judges' scorecards, and De La Hoya's outspoken critique has ignited a firestorm of debate within the boxing community.

De La Hoya, known for his own electrifying fights and sharp commentary, took to social media and various interviews to express his disappointment. He didn't mince words, suggesting Haney's performance lacked the aggression and dominance expected from a champion facing a legend like Lomachenko. The criticism wasn't solely focused on the win itself, but on the perceived lack of excitement and a failure to truly impress against a fighter widely considered one of the greatest pound-for-pound boxers of all time.

De La Hoya's Key Criticisms: A Lack of Punching Power and Ring Generalship?

De La Hoya's critique centered around several key aspects of Haney's performance:

• Lack of Aggressive Punching: De La Hoya argued that Haney, despite winning, failed to land consistently powerful punches. He suggested a more assertive approach was needed against a fighter of Lomachenko's caliber. "He needs to show more power," De La Hoya stated in one interview. "Lomachenko is a legend, you can't just box him on the outside."

• Defensive Strategy Overwhelms Offense: While acknowledging Haney's masterful defensive skills, De La Hoya felt his strategy leaned too heavily on avoidance rather than engaging in a more dynamic and exciting fight. This, he argued, detracted from the overall spectacle and left many feeling unsatisfied.

• Questionable Judging: De La Hoya, like many others, questioned the judges' scorecards, suggesting the fight could have easily gone either way. He didn't explicitly accuse the judges of bias but highlighted the controversial nature of the decision and its impact on the public perception of the fight.

The Aftermath and Future Implications

De La Hoya's outspoken criticism has sparked a significant discussion about Haney's fighting style and future matchups. Some argue that Haney's strategy, while successful in securing the win, ultimately diminishes his overall legacy. Others defend Haney, citing his undefeated record and his ability to adapt to different opponents.

The debate, fueled by De La Hoya’s comments, highlights a crucial aspect of boxing: the subjective nature of judging and the constant push for more exciting and compelling fights. It also raises questions about the balance between defensive mastery and aggressive offense in securing a victory and captivating the audience.

What are your thoughts on De La Hoya's criticism? Do you agree with his assessment of Haney's performance against Lomachenko? Share your opinions in the comments below!

Related Articles:

• [Link to another article about Devin Haney]
• [Link to an article about Vasiliy Lomachenko]
• [Link to an article about Oscar De La Hoya's career]

Keywords: Oscar De La Hoya, Devin Haney, Vasiliy Lomachenko, boxing, boxing match, boxing criticism, fight analysis, controversial fight, judging, boxing news, sports news, May 2023 fight, pound-for-pound boxer.