Negotiations Fail: De La Hoya Supports Teofimo Lopez's Choice Over Haney

James

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Post on Jun 05, 2025

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Negotiations Fail: De La Hoya Supports Teofimo Lopez's Decision to Skip Haney Fight

Oscar De La Hoya throws his weight behind Teofimo Lopez's decision to forgo a highly anticipated clash with Devin Haney, signaling a potential shift in the lightweight boxing landscape. The breakdown in negotiations leaves boxing fans wondering what's next for both fighters and raises questions about the future of unification bouts in the division.

The highly publicized talks between the camps of Teofimo Lopez and Devin Haney, aimed at unifying the lightweight titles, have officially collapsed. Sources close to the negotiations confirmed the failure to reach an agreement, citing irreconcilable differences over contract terms and fight purse distribution. This leaves the undisputed lightweight championship picture significantly muddled, with both fighters now looking towards alternative opponents.

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De La Hoya's Backing of Lopez's Decision

Golden Boy Promotions CEO Oscar De La Hoya, who promotes Lopez, publicly voiced his support for his fighter's decision. In a statement released on social media, De La Hoya praised Lopez's unwavering commitment to securing a fair deal and suggested that Haney's team was unwilling to compromise. He stated, "Teofimo deserves to be compensated fairly for his talent and accomplishments. We believe the offer presented by Haney's team significantly undervalued his contributions to the sport." This strong backing from a prominent figure in the boxing world adds fuel to the already heated debate surrounding the collapsed negotiations.

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What Went Wrong? A Look at the Key Sticking Points

While specific details remain undisclosed, reports suggest that disagreements over the following factors significantly hampered the negotiations:

• Guaranteed Purse: A significant disparity reportedly existed between the guaranteed purses offered to each fighter, reflecting the perceived difference in their current market value.
• Pay-Per-View Revenue Sharing: The split of pay-per-view revenue generated from the fight was another major point of contention. Sources suggest a considerable gap existed between the two sides' desired percentages.
• Location and Date: While not the primary sticking points, disagreements over the preferred location and date for the fight also contributed to the overall breakdown in negotiations.

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What's Next for Lopez and Haney? Potential Opponents and Future Fights

With the Haney fight off the table, Lopez's team is now exploring other high-profile matchups. Potential opponents include names like George Kambosos Jr. or a rematch with Vasiliy Lomachenko, both offering lucrative and exciting possibilities. Similarly, Haney's team is likely to pursue other contenders to maintain his momentum and undisputed status. This could include a fight with a top-ranked contender or a move up in weight class.

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The Impact on the Lightweight Division

The failure to finalize the Lopez-Haney fight has significant ramifications for the lightweight division. The absence of a unified champion creates uncertainty and reduces the clarity of the rankings. It also highlights the challenges in securing high-profile unification bouts in boxing, particularly when significant financial interests are involved. This situation underscores the ongoing need for improved transparency and fair compensation structures within the sport.

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Call to Action: What are your thoughts on the failed negotiations? Who do you think Lopez and Haney should fight next? Share your predictions in the comments below!