De La Hoya's Post-Fight Tirade: Haney Targeted In Sharp Criticism

James

3 min read

Post on Jun 06, 2025

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De La Hoya's Post-Fight Tirade: Haney Targeted in Sharp Criticism

Oscar De La Hoya's post-fight interviews are rarely dull, but his reaction to Devin Haney's victory over Vasiliy Lomachenko left many stunned. The Golden Boy Promotions CEO unleashed a scathing critique of Haney's performance, sparking a firestorm of debate within the boxing community. Did De La Hoya's criticism hit the mark, or was it an overreaction fueled by disappointment?

The fight itself, a highly anticipated clash of styles between the undefeated Haney and the legendary Lomachenko, saw Haney retain his lightweight titles via unanimous decision. While many pundits scored the fight closely, the judges ultimately favored Haney. This decision, however, didn't sit well with De La Hoya, who voiced his strong disapproval in a series of explosive post-fight interviews.

De La Hoya's Key Criticisms of Haney

De La Hoya's criticism focused on several aspects of Haney's performance:

• Lack of Aggressiveness: De La Hoya repeatedly stated that Haney lacked the aggression needed to decisively defeat a fighter of Lomachenko's caliber. He argued that Haney relied too heavily on his defensive skills and failed to capitalize on opportunities to inflict significant damage. This sentiment was echoed by some fans and analysts who felt the fight lacked the fireworks many had anticipated.

• "Running" Tactics: The term "running" became a recurring theme in De La Hoya's critique. He accused Haney of employing overly defensive tactics, prioritizing point accumulation over aggressive offense. This sparked a debate about the strategic choices a boxer should make in a championship bout, particularly against a counter-puncher like Lomachenko.

• Disrespect to Lomachenko: Some interpreted De La Hoya's comments as suggesting Haney showed a lack of respect for Lomachenko's legacy and skills. This element added a layer of controversy, moving beyond simple tactical analysis into a discussion of sportsmanship and respect within the boxing world.

The Counterarguments & Haney's Response

Many defended Haney's performance, pointing to his masterful defensive skills and effective counter-punching. They argued that his strategy was perfectly sound against a fighter known for his precise and powerful counters. Lomachenko himself, though clearly disappointed, offered a relatively gracious post-fight interview, focusing more on his own performance than criticizing Haney's tactics.

Haney himself responded to De La Hoya's criticism with a degree of measured calm, suggesting that De La Hoya's comments were likely fueled by disappointment and his loyalty to Lomachenko. He reiterated his confidence in his victory and his boxing strategy.

The Lasting Impact

De La Hoya's post-fight outburst certainly generated significant buzz around the fight and reinvigorated the conversation surrounding boxing strategy and judging. It highlights the inherent subjectivity in evaluating boxing matches and the passionate opinions that often surround the sport. While the controversy may fade, the questions raised about offensive versus defensive styles and the role of judging in determining a winner remain central to the ongoing discussion within the boxing community. This debate, fueled by De La Hoya's sharp criticism, serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and often passionate nature of professional boxing.

What are your thoughts on De La Hoya's criticism of Haney? Share your opinions in the comments below!