De La Hoya Backs Teofimo's Decision To Skip "Runner" Haney

James

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Post on Jun 05, 2025

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De La Hoya Backs Teofimo's Decision to Skip "Runner" Haney, Eyes Bigger Fights

Oscar De La Hoya has thrown his weight behind Teófimo López's decision to bypass a fight with Devin Haney, labeling the undisputed lightweight champion a "runner" and suggesting bigger, more lucrative bouts are on the horizon for the brash young fighter. This bold statement ignites the boxing world, sparking debate about the future of both fighters and the lightweight division.

The boxing community has been buzzing with anticipation for a potential clash between López and Haney, a fight many considered a true unification showdown. However, López's team opted to pursue other opportunities, leaving Haney to defend his titles against different opponents. De La Hoya, the legendary former champion and promoter, believes this was a smart move.

De La Hoya's Justification: Beyond the Belt

In a recent interview, De La Hoya didn't mince words. He characterized Haney's fighting style as overly cautious, claiming the champion prioritizes preserving his undefeated record over engaging in thrilling, action-packed fights. "Teófimo wants explosive fights, fights that excite the fans," De La Hoya stated. "Haney? He's a runner. Teófimo deserves better than to chase a fighter who avoids real challenges."

This sentiment resonates with many boxing fans who have criticized Haney's perceived defensive approach. While Haney undeniably possesses exceptional boxing skills and has successfully defended his titles, his fights have sometimes lacked the explosive action that many crave.

What's Next for Teófimo López?

The question now is: what does the future hold for Teófimo López? De La Hoya hints at bigger fights, perhaps even a move up in weight class. A clash against the likes of Gervonta Davis or even a rematch with Vasiliy Lomachenko are possibilities that could generate significant interest and revenue.

• A Move Up in Weight? The possibility of López moving up in weight class is intriguing. This could open doors to even more lucrative and high-profile matchups.
• The Davis Fight: A Blockbuster Potential? A fight with Gervonta Davis would be a massive pay-per-view event, a true clash of styles and personalities.
• Lomachenko Rematch: Unfinished Business? A rematch against Lomachenko, after their closely contested fight, could offer closure and a chance for redemption for López.

These options all present significant challenges and lucrative opportunities for López, justifying De La Hoya's decision to steer clear of a perceived less-rewarding fight with Haney.

Haney's Response and the Future of the Lightweight Division

Haney, naturally, hasn't taken De La Hoya's comments lying down. He's defended his style, highlighting his undefeated record and the dominance he's displayed in the ring. The lightweight division remains stacked with talent, and this dispute only serves to highlight the intriguing matchups yet to come. The future of the lightweight division remains uncertain, but one thing's for sure: it's going to be exciting.

Call to Action: What are your thoughts on De La Hoya's assessment of Haney and López's future? Share your predictions for both fighters in the comments below!