Failed Haney-Lopez Talks: De La Hoya Praises Teofimo's Choice

James

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Post on Jun 06, 2025

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Failed Haney-Lopez Talks: De La Hoya Praises Teofimo's Choice to Face Pedraza

The highly anticipated showdown between undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney and former unified champion Vasiliy Lomachenko has seemingly fallen apart, leaving boxing fans disappointed. Negotiations between the camps collapsed, paving the way for a different, albeit intriguing, matchup. This development has prompted Golden Boy Promotions CEO Oscar De La Hoya to publicly praise Teofimo Lopez's decision to instead face Jose Pedraza.

This unexpected turn of events has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, leaving many wondering what the future holds for Haney and Lomachenko. The breakdown in negotiations highlights the complexities of securing mega-fights in the sport, a situation De La Hoya has addressed directly.

De La Hoya's Statement and the Pedraza Fight

In a recent social media post and several interviews, De La Hoya expressed his admiration for Teofimo Lopez's strategic move. He commended Lopez's decision to face Pedraza, a seasoned and respected contender, instead of waiting for a potentially protracted and ultimately fruitless negotiation process with Haney. De La Hoya highlighted Pedraza's experience and fighting style as a perfect test for Lopez as he seeks to reclaim his position at the top of the lightweight division.

"Teofimo made the smart move," De La Hoya stated. "He's not going to waste time waiting for fights that might never happen. Pedraza is a tough opponent, a real test, and this fight will show us where Teofimo is at right now."

Why the Haney-Lomachenko Fight Didn't Happen?

While the precise reasons for the collapse of Haney-Lomachenko talks remain somewhat shrouded in mystery, reports suggest disagreements over various financial and contractual terms played a significant role. The conflicting demands between the two camps ultimately proved insurmountable, leading to the disappointing outcome. This isn't uncommon in professional boxing, where complex negotiations and high stakes often lead to stalled or failed matchups.

What's Next for Haney and Lomachenko?

The future is uncertain for both Haney and Lomachenko. Haney, still the undisputed lightweight champion, will likely need to find a suitable opponent to defend his titles. Potential candidates could include other top-ranked contenders in the division. Lomachenko's next move is equally unclear, though he remains a highly sought-after fighter with a large and dedicated fanbase.

The failed Haney-Lomachenko fight serves as a harsh reminder that even the most highly anticipated bouts can fall apart due to the intricacies of professional boxing negotiations. However, the emergence of the Lopez-Pedraza fight provides a compelling alternative for fans eager for high-level lightweight action.

Keywords: Devin Haney, Vasiliy Lomachenko, Teofimo Lopez, Jose Pedraza, Oscar De La Hoya, boxing, lightweight, undisputed champion, fight, negotiations, Golden Boy Promotions, boxing news, sports news

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