Negotiations Collapse: De La Hoya Sides With Teofimo Lopez's Haney Decision

James

3 min read

Post on Jun 05, 2025

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Negotiations Collapse: De La Hoya Sides with Haney's Victory Over Lopez

Boxing fans are reeling after negotiations for a highly anticipated rematch between Teófimo López and Josh Taylor completely collapsed. The unexpected breakdown stems from Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions, who surprisingly sided with the judges' decision in the controversial López vs. Haney fight, effectively ending any prospect of an immediate rematch with Taylor. This shocking development leaves the future of both fighters in limbo and raises serious questions about the integrity of the sport's promotional landscape.

De La Hoya's Stance Fuels Controversy

The fight between López and Devin Haney on December 10th, 2023, ended with a unanimous decision victory for Haney. However, many boxing pundits and fans felt the judges' scorecards were questionable, believing López deserved the win or at least a much closer decision. This controversy was already brewing before the news of the collapsed Taylor negotiations ignited the situation further. De La Hoya’s public statement supporting the judges' decision has been met with widespread criticism, especially from López's camp who felt the decision was a robbery.

Taylor Rematch Officially Off the Table

The anticipated rematch between López and Josh Taylor, a fight that had the potential to unify lightweight titles and generate significant revenue, is now officially off. This isn't a simple postponement; sources close to the negotiations confirm that the talks have completely broken down, primarily due to Golden Boy Promotions' reluctance to pursue a rematch, seemingly prioritizing other opportunities for their fighters. The absence of a rematch leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of fans who were eagerly anticipating this clash of titans.

What Happens Next for López and Taylor?

The future of both López and Taylor remains uncertain. For López, finding a suitable opponent who can match his skill and draw power will be a crucial next step. He might need to reconsider his promotional affiliations to gain the leverage needed for high-profile fights. Taylor, on the other hand, faces the challenge of securing a headline bout without the high-stakes rematch with López. Both fighters are at a critical juncture in their careers, and the ramifications of this negotiation breakdown could significantly impact their trajectories.

The Wider Implications for Boxing

This incident highlights the growing concerns surrounding judging inconsistencies and the influence of promotional companies in boxing. The lack of transparency and the seemingly arbitrary decisions made by promotional entities like Golden Boy Promotions erode the trust of fans in the sport's fairness and legitimacy. The boxing community is clamoring for reform, emphasizing the need for greater accountability and transparency in judging and promotional practices.

Looking Ahead: Reform or Continued Controversy?

The collapse of the López-Taylor rematch negotiations serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing modern boxing. Will this incident be a catalyst for meaningful change, fostering more transparency and fairer practices within the sport? Or will boxing continue down a path riddled with controversy and questionable decisions? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the fight for the future of boxing is far from over.

Keywords: Teofimo Lopez, Josh Taylor, Oscar De La Hoya, Golden Boy Promotions, Devin Haney, boxing, boxing news, boxing match, rematch, lightweight boxing, boxing controversy, boxing negotiations, sports news.