De La Hoya: Teofimo Wise To Avoid A "Running" Haney

James

3 min read

Post on Jun 05, 2025

4.2

Share

De La Hoya: Teófimo López Wise to Avoid a "Running" Haney

Oscar De La Hoya believes Teófimo López made the right call in targeting a more aggressive fighting style against Devin Haney, rather than engaging in a prolonged footrace. The fight, a highly anticipated lightweight unification bout, saw López push the pace, challenging Haney's typically elusive tactics. While López ultimately lost a close decision, De La Hoya argues the strategy was sound, highlighting the difficulty of catching a consistently mobile fighter like Haney.

De La Hoya, a boxing legend himself, took to social media and various interviews to express his opinion on the fight, praising López's determination in the face of Haney's defensive prowess. He emphasized that attempting to outbox Haney, known for his superior footwork and ring generalship, would have been a tactical mistake.

The Haney Style: A Challenge for Any Fighter

Haney's fighting style, often described as "running" by critics, is a calculated strategy designed to minimize risk and maximize points. This approach, while effective in accumulating victories, can be frustrating for opponents who prefer a more aggressive, brawl-oriented style. De La Hoya pointed out that even the most powerful punchers struggle against such a fluid and elusive opponent. "You can’t catch a ghost," he stated, referencing Haney's ability to slip punches and maintain distance.

López's Aggressive Approach: A Strategic Choice?

Teófimo López, known for his aggressive and powerful punching style, opted for a high-pressure approach, forcing Haney to engage more directly. While this tactic didn't result in a knockout or a clear victory, De La Hoya believes it was the smarter strategy. He argued that a more passive approach, mirroring Haney's style, would have likely resulted in a more decisive loss for López. The fight proved a closely contested affair, going the distance and demonstrating the effectiveness of López’s strategy in many rounds.

<h3>Analyzing the Fight: What Went Right and Wrong for López</h3>

• Positives: López's relentless pressure forced Haney out of his comfort zone, leading to several exciting exchanges. His power punches also threatened Haney throughout the fight. The pressure and aggression were key to making the fight competitive.
• Areas for Improvement: While the pressure was effective, López could have improved his accuracy and combination punching. More effective head movement might also have allowed him to land more clean shots.

The Future for Teófimo López:

De La Hoya’s comments underscore the challenges faced by fighters against highly mobile opponents. The fight serves as a lesson in strategic boxing, highlighting the importance of adapting one's style to counter an opponent's strengths. The future looks bright for Teófimo López, who despite the loss, showed resilience and fighting spirit. The experience gained from fighting Haney will undoubtedly shape his future strategy and fighting style.

Conclusion:

Oscar De La Hoya's assessment of the Haney-López fight emphasizes the strategic nuances of boxing. He correctly points out that a "running" opponent requires a specific counter-strategy. While López didn’t win, his decision to challenge Haney directly was arguably the better option, showcasing both courage and strategic thinking in the face of a difficult opponent. This fight will undoubtedly be analyzed for years to come, offering valuable lessons for aspiring boxers and seasoned professionals alike. Are you ready to discuss this crucial boxing match further? Let us know in the comments below!