De La Hoya: Teofimo Lopez Wise To Dodge "Runner" Haney

James

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Post on Jun 06, 2025

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De La Hoya: Teófimo López Wise to Dodge "Runner" Haney

Oscar De La Hoya believes Teófimo López made a shrewd move by avoiding a fight with Devin Haney, calling the undisputed lightweight champion a "runner" who lacks the exciting fighting style to draw significant PPV buys. The comments come amidst ongoing speculation about López's next opponent and the future of the lightweight division.

De La Hoya, the legendary boxer and founder of Golden Boy Promotions, didn't pull any punches in his assessment of Haney. In a recent interview, he stated, "Teófimo is smart. Haney is a runner, a guy who doesn't want to engage in a brawl. He's good, don't get me wrong, but he's not a PPV draw." This assessment directly challenges the narrative often surrounding Haney, who is lauded for his technical skills and undefeated record.

<h3>Haney's Fighting Style Under Scrutiny</h3>

De La Hoya's criticism focuses on Haney's perceived lack of aggression. While Haney's masterful defensive skills are undeniable, De La Hoya suggests this strategy prioritizes points over exciting knockouts, a critical factor in attracting a large pay-per-view audience. This point is further emphasized by the relatively lower viewership figures for some of Haney's recent fights compared to other high-profile boxing matches.

Many boxing analysts have debated Haney's fighting style, with some praising his precision and ring IQ, while others criticize his perceived passivity. This ongoing debate highlights a crucial aspect of the modern boxing landscape: the balance between technical mastery and crowd-pleasing aggression.

<h3>López's Strategic Move</h3>

López, known for his aggressive style and power punching, seemingly agrees with De La Hoya's assessment. By choosing to avoid a Haney matchup at least for now, López may be prioritizing fights that promise a higher likelihood of a spectacular, action-packed showdown, potentially leading to a bigger payday and greater recognition within the sport. This strategic move underscores the importance of fight selection in a boxer's career progression.

This decision, however, doesn't necessarily diminish Haney's achievements. Holding all four major lightweight titles is a significant accomplishment. However, De La Hoya’s comments raise important questions about the appeal of different fighting styles in modern boxing and the factors that contribute to a successful and lucrative career.

<h3>The Future of the Lightweight Division</h3>

The lightweight division remains one of the most exciting in boxing, brimming with talent. With López strategically maneuvering his career path, the potential for future matchups with other top contenders remains high. The question remains: will Haney adapt his style to attract larger audiences or will he continue to dominate with his precise, defensive-minded approach? The future of the lightweight division, and indeed the future of boxing itself, depends on answering these questions.

Who do you think will emerge as the dominant force in the lightweight division? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

(Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not endorse any particular boxer or promotional company.)