De La Hoya: Teofimo Lopez Smart To Dodge Haney's "Running" Style

James

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Post on Jun 05, 2025

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De La Hoya: Teófimo López Smart to Dodge Haney's "Running" Style

Oscar De La Hoya believes Teófimo López made a shrewd move by choosing to avoid a fight with Devin Haney, citing Haney's elusive fighting style as the primary reason. The boxing world has been buzzing with speculation since López opted for a different opponent, leaving many fans disappointed at the missed opportunity for a highly anticipated clash. But De La Hoya, the legendary former champion and current promoter, sees strategic brilliance in López's decision.

Haney's Elusive Style: A Challenge for Any Fighter

De La Hoya's assessment centers on Haney's boxing style, which he describes as predominantly "running" and difficult to engage. "Let's be honest," De La Hoya stated in a recent interview, "Haney is a fantastic boxer, incredibly skilled, but his style presents a unique challenge. He's masterful at avoiding direct confrontations, making him a tough opponent to pin down." This avoidance strategy, while effective for Haney, can be incredibly frustrating for fighters who prefer a more aggressive, stand-up battle.

López's Strategic Retreat: A Calculated Risk?

This isn't the first time Haney's elusive style has been criticized. Many boxing analysts have pointed out that his preference for movement and counter-punching can lead to less exciting fights. For López, known for his aggressive and powerful punching style, facing Haney would have meant a significant tactical adjustment. De La Hoya suggests that López's decision to avoid this stylistic mismatch was a calculated risk, prioritizing a fight that better suits his strengths and maximizes his chances of victory.

<h3>Analyzing the Potential Matchup: A Stylistic Clash</h3>

The potential clash between López and Haney promised a fascinating stylistic contrast. López, a pressure fighter with devastating power, would have been forced to chase a much faster, more elusive opponent. This would have required a significant change in his usual fighting approach, potentially compromising his natural strengths. Conversely, Haney's counter-punching strategy would have thrived against a more aggressive fighter constantly moving forward.

<h3>The Bigger Picture: Implications for the Lightweight Division</h3>

López's decision highlights the complexities of match-making in the competitive lightweight division. The avoidance of a fight with Haney doesn't diminish either fighter's skill or potential. Instead, it underscores the importance of strategic planning and the need for fighters to choose opponents who maximize their chances of success, even if it means foregoing a highly publicized, but potentially disadvantageous, bout.

What's Next for López and Haney?

The future remains uncertain for both fighters. While López pursues his next opponent, Haney is likely to continue to dominate the lightweight division with his distinctive, if sometimes frustrating, fighting style. The possibility of a future showdown between the two remains, but for now, De La Hoya’s assessment emphasizes the strategic thinking behind López's decision. Only time will tell if it proves to be the correct one. What are your thoughts on the situation? Let us know in the comments below!

Keywords: Teofimo Lopez, Devin Haney, Oscar De La Hoya, boxing, lightweight division, boxing strategy, fighting styles, boxing match, boxing news, boxing analysis.