De La Hoya Praises Teofimo For Bypassing Haney After Negotiation Breakdown

James

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Post on Jun 05, 2025

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De La Hoya Praises Teofimo's Bold Move, Slams Haney After Failed Negotiations

Oscar De La Hoya has heaped praise on Teófimo López for his decision to bypass Devin Haney and pursue other lightweight championship opportunities after negotiations for a unification bout reportedly broke down. The Golden Boy Promotions CEO didn't pull any punches, criticizing Haney's team for what he perceives as a lack of willingness to make the fight happen.

The boxing world was buzzing with anticipation for a potential clash between López and Haney, a fight that promised to unify the lightweight division's major titles. However, weeks of back-and-forth negotiations ultimately ended without an agreement, leaving fans disappointed. The breakdown, according to reports, centered around disagreements over purse splits and other contractual terms.

De La Hoya's Strong Words for Haney

De La Hoya, known for his outspoken nature, didn't mince words when commenting on the failed negotiations. In a recent interview, he stated, "Teófimo showed true championship grit. He wanted that fight, he was willing to make it happen, but Haney and his team clearly weren't." He went on to suggest that Haney's team prioritized financial gain over a legacy-defining fight, a sentiment echoed by many boxing analysts.

De La Hoya's criticism wasn't solely directed at Haney's financial demands. He also alluded to a perceived lack of ambition on Haney's part, implying that the undefeated champion might be avoiding a truly challenging opponent. "Sometimes," De La Hoya added, "the biggest risk is the safest bet. Teófimo is willing to take those risks, and that's what separates champions from contenders."

López's Next Move: A Strategic Shift?

With the Haney fight off the table, López has reportedly turned his attention to other top lightweights. This strategic shift has been widely lauded by boxing experts, who see it as a testament to López's determination and fighting spirit. Rather than waiting indefinitely for a Haney matchup that seemed increasingly unlikely, López is actively seeking opportunities to showcase his skills and remain a dominant force in the division. This proactive approach, De La Hoya suggested, shows the kind of hunger and ambition necessary to become a true boxing legend.

What's Next for the Lightweight Division?

The failed negotiations have undoubtedly reshaped the lightweight landscape. While the highly anticipated Haney-López clash is currently off the cards, it opens up several intriguing possibilities. Other potential matchups for both fighters are now being discussed, creating excitement and uncertainty within the boxing community.

Key Takeaways:

• Negotiation Breakdown: Talks between Haney and López's camps collapsed due to disagreements over contractual terms.
• De La Hoya's Support: Oscar De La Hoya publicly praised López's willingness to fight and criticized Haney's team for prioritizing money over a unification bout.
• López's Strategic Shift: López is actively pursuing other lightweight championship opportunities instead of waiting for Haney.
• Future of the Lightweight Division: The failed negotiations have created exciting new potential matchups for both fighters.

The boxing world waits with bated breath to see what unfolds next for both Teófimo López and Devin Haney. Will we ever see the unification bout we craved? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: Teófimo López's determination has earned him respect, and the lightweight division remains as electrifying as ever.