De La Hoya Praises López For Avoiding Haney After Negotiation Breakdown

James

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Post on Jun 05, 2025

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De La Hoya Praises López for Avoiding Haney Fight After Failed Negotiations: A Smart Business Move?

Oscar De La Hoya has publicly lauded Ryan García's decision to step away from a potential fight with Devin Haney following a breakdown in negotiations. The Golden Boy Promotions CEO believes García made a shrewd business move, prioritizing his long-term career prospects over a potentially lucrative, yet risky, matchup. This decision, announced last week, sent shockwaves through the boxing world, leaving many fans and analysts questioning the future of the lightweight division.

The anticipated clash between García and Haney, two of boxing's brightest young stars, was touted as a mega-fight with significant pay-per-view potential. However, disagreements over various contractual terms, including purse splits and promotional rights, ultimately led to the negotiations collapsing. While many speculated about García's willingness to face Haney, De La Hoya's comments paint a different picture.

<h3>De La Hoya's Rationale: A Calculated Risk</h3>

De La Hoya, known for his keen business acumen both inside and outside the ring, defended García's decision, suggesting it was a strategic move to protect his career trajectory. In a recent interview, De La Hoya stated, "Ryan is a young star with immense potential. Taking a fight with Haney at this stage, under the proposed terms, would have been a gamble. We felt it wasn't the right time."

He emphasized the importance of carefully managing García's career, pointing to the long-term benefits of avoiding a potentially damaging loss early in his prime. "A loss to Haney, regardless of the circumstances, could have significantly impacted his future earning potential and marketability," De La Hoya explained. "Sometimes, walking away is the smartest move in boxing."

<h3>The Stakes Were High: A Closer Look at the Negotiations</h3>

While the specifics of the failed negotiations remain largely undisclosed, reports suggest significant disagreements over the purse split and promotional control. Haney, currently the undisputed lightweight champion, likely demanded a larger share of the revenue, reflecting his undefeated record and dominant position in the division. García's team, however, may have felt the proposed split didn't adequately reflect García's growing star power and marketability.

<h3>What's Next for Ryan García and the Lightweight Division?</h3>

The breakdown in negotiations leaves the future of the lightweight division somewhat uncertain. While fans eagerly await a potential future clash between García and Haney, both fighters now have to consider alternative opponents. For García, this might mean focusing on securing a high-profile fight that strengthens his position before potentially facing Haney later in his career. This strategic approach, seemingly endorsed by De La Hoya, might ultimately prove to be more beneficial in the long run.

The situation highlights the complex dynamics of high-stakes boxing negotiations and the importance of strategic career planning. It also underscores the significance of securing favorable terms, not just pursuing a lucrative, but potentially risky, fight.

Are you surprised by the outcome of the García-Haney negotiations? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Keywords: Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney, Oscar De La Hoya, Golden Boy Promotions, boxing, lightweight division, boxing negotiations, mega-fight, career strategy, business decisions, sports news, boxing news.