De La Hoya's Post-Fight Tirade: Haney Under Fire After Lopez Defeat

James

3 min read

Post on Jun 06, 2025

4.2

Share

De La Hoya's Post-Fight Tirade: Haney Under Fire After Lopez Defeat

Oscar De La Hoya's explosive post-fight tirade against Devin Haney has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, leaving the lightweight champion facing intense scrutiny following his controversial victory over Vasiliy Lomachenko. The fight, initially praised for its technical brilliance, quickly descended into controversy, with De La Hoya's scathing criticism igniting a firestorm of debate. This article delves into the aftermath of the fight, examining De La Hoya's accusations and their impact on Haney's reputation.

De La Hoya Unleashes Fury:

Immediately following Haney's split-decision win over Lomachenko, De La Hoya, a boxing legend himself and head of Golden Boy Promotions, launched a blistering attack. He accused Haney of employing a "boring" and "passive" fighting style, claiming the victory was undeserved and robbed Lomachenko of a clear win. De La Hoya's words, delivered with characteristic passion and bluntness, were far from subtle. He didn't mince words, labeling the fight a "disgrace" and calling for an immediate rematch.

This wasn't simply a case of a disgruntled observer voicing their opinion. De La Hoya's considerable influence within the boxing community means his comments carry significant weight. His pronouncements are likely to impact sponsorships, future fight negotiations, and public perception of Haney.

Haney Responds to the Criticism:

Haney, known for his often-reserved demeanor, responded to De La Hoya's criticism with a mixture of defiance and measured composure. He maintained that he had executed his game plan effectively, emphasizing his superior speed and ring generalship. While he acknowledged some criticism, he largely dismissed De La Hoya's comments as the opinion of one man, albeit a highly influential one.

The champion’s response highlights a growing divide within the boxing community. While some agree with De La Hoya’s assessment of Haney’s fighting style, others defend the champion's strategic approach, arguing that winning is the ultimate goal, regardless of style.

The Scorecards and the Controversy:

The split-decision itself fueled much of the post-fight debate. One judge scored the fight for Lomachenko, highlighting the close nature of the contest and the potential for differing interpretations of the action. The controversy surrounding the scoring further validates De La Hoya’s criticisms, emphasizing the subjectivity inherent in boxing judging. This underscores the need for improved transparency and consistency in boxing scoring systems – a long-standing issue within the sport.

What's Next for Haney?

The fallout from De La Hoya’s tirade leaves Haney facing an uncertain future. While he remains the undisputed lightweight champion, the cloud of controversy casts a shadow over his achievements. The calls for a rematch are loud, and a repeat bout against Lomachenko could be the only way to silence his critics and solidify his claim to the title. The pressure is now on Haney to prove his worth and deliver a more compelling performance in any future fights. His next move will be keenly observed by fans and pundits alike.

Conclusion:

De La Hoya's post-fight comments have undeniably shifted the narrative surrounding Haney's victory. Whether you agree with De La Hoya's assessment or not, his strong words have ignited a vital discussion about fighting styles, judging criteria, and the future of the lightweight division. The lasting impact of this controversy remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the boxing world is buzzing.