De La Hoya Defends Teofimo Lopez For Avoiding Haney "Running Style"

James

3 min read

Post on Jun 06, 2025

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De La Hoya Defends López, Blasts Haney's "Running Style"

Oscar De La Hoya steps into the fray, defending Teófimo López's controversial loss to Devin Haney and criticizing Haney's fighting tactics.

The boxing world is still buzzing after Devin Haney's unanimous decision victory over Teófimo López, a fight that sparked considerable debate among fans and experts alike. Adding fuel to the fire is Oscar De La Hoya, the legendary boxer and promoter, who has come to the defense of López, vehemently criticizing Haney's fighting style. De La Hoya, known for his outspoken nature, didn't pull any punches in his assessment of the highly anticipated clash.

De La Hoya, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, took to social media and various interviews to express his disappointment with the fight's outcome and Haney's approach. He argued that Haney's perceived "running" style prevented a more exciting and decisive contest. "Haney was running the entire fight," De La Hoya stated, "It wasn't a fight, it was a track meet!" This sentiment echoes the frustration felt by many viewers who felt the fight lacked the explosive action expected from a clash of such high-profile fighters.

<h3>The Controversy Surrounding Haney's Tactics</h3>

The criticism leveled at Haney's fighting strategy centers around his perceived lack of engagement. Many observers felt he prioritized point accumulation over aggressive exchanges, utilizing movement and counter-punching to maintain a safe distance from López. This style, while effective in securing victory, has drawn accusations of being overly defensive and lacking in crowd-pleasing excitement. The debate highlights a fundamental tension within boxing: the balance between effective strategy and crowd-pleasing action.

This isn't the first time Haney's fighting style has come under scrutiny. He has often been described as a skillful boxer with exceptional footwork, but some critics believe he prioritizes safety over aggression. This strategy, while undeniably successful, has earned him both praise for his tactical acumen and criticism for a perceived lack of heart.

<h3>De La Hoya's Defense of López</h3>

De La Hoya's defense of López extends beyond simply criticizing Haney. He acknowledged that López didn't perform at his peak but emphasized that the circumstances weren't ideal. De La Hoya highlights the impact of Haney's defensive style, suggesting that it made it significantly harder for López to land effective punches and gain momentum. He also praised Lopez's warrior spirit, stating that he "gave it his all despite the difficult circumstances."

<h3>Looking Ahead: The Future of Lightweight Boxing</h3>

The Haney-López fight has undoubtedly left a mark on the lightweight division. The debate surrounding the fight's outcome and Haney's fighting style promises to fuel ongoing discussions about the nature of boxing strategy and the expectations placed on elite fighters. The future of the lightweight division remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the Haney-López fight has sparked considerable debate and provided ample fodder for discussion among boxing enthusiasts.

What are your thoughts on the Haney-López fight and De La Hoya's comments? Share your opinions in the comments below!

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