Haney Faces Backlash From De La Hoya Following Controversial Teofimo Lopez Bout

James

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Post on Jun 06, 2025

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Haney Faces Backlash from De La Hoya Following Controversial Teofimo Lopez Bout

Lightweight boxing champion Devin Haney is facing intense criticism from Oscar De La Hoya following his highly debated victory over Teofimo Lopez. The fight, held on December 3rd, 2023, saw Haney retain his WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO lightweight titles via unanimous decision, a result many boxing pundits and fans found contentious. De La Hoya, a boxing legend and head of Golden Boy Promotions, has been particularly vocal in his disapproval, igniting a fiery post-fight controversy.

A Split Decision that Sparked Outrage

The fight itself was a tactical affair, with Haney employing his superior speed and ring generalship to outbox Lopez. However, Lopez, known for his aggressive fighting style, landed several significant power shots throughout the contest. Many viewers and analysts felt the judges' scorecards didn't accurately reflect the fight's intensity and the power punches landed by Lopez. The scoring was indeed controversial, with one judge awarding Haney all 12 rounds – a highly unusual outcome given the competitive nature of the bout. This led to accusations of biased judging and a widespread feeling that Lopez was robbed of a potential victory.

De La Hoya's Fiery Criticism:

Oscar De La Hoya didn't mince words in his post-fight assessment. He took to social media and various interviews to express his disbelief at the decision, labeling it a "robbery" and accusing the judges of being "corrupt." De La Hoya, who has a long and storied history in boxing, holds significant influence in the sport, and his strong condemnation has added fuel to the already raging debate surrounding the fight's outcome. His comments have amplified the calls for a rematch, with many believing Lopez deserves another chance to prove himself against Haney.

The Rematch Speculation Heats Up:

The controversy surrounding the Haney-Lopez fight has inevitably led to significant speculation regarding a potential rematch. While neither fighter has officially confirmed their interest, the public outcry and De La Hoya's outspoken criticism increase the likelihood of a second bout. A rematch would undoubtedly attract massive viewership, given the controversy surrounding the first fight and the high stakes involved. However, negotiating the terms of a rematch, including promoter involvement and purse splits, could prove challenging.

What's Next for Haney?

Regardless of the rematch possibility, Haney remains the undisputed lightweight champion. However, his victory, while technically secured, has been overshadowed by the controversy. He now faces a difficult task: to prove his dominance not just in the ring, but also in the court of public opinion. His next steps will be closely watched by the boxing world, especially given the considerable impact of De La Hoya’s powerful critique. The future for Haney is far from certain, as the legacy of this bout continues to be debated.

Keywords: Devin Haney, Teofimo Lopez, Oscar De La Hoya, boxing, lightweight boxing, controversial fight, unanimous decision, boxing controversy, rematch, boxing judging, boxing news, WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO

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