Oscar De La Hoya Blasts Devin Haney: A Post-Lopez Fight Fallout

James

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Post on Jun 05, 2025

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Oscar De La Hoya Blasts Devin Haney: A Post-Lopez Fight Fallout

The boxing world is buzzing after Oscar De La Hoya unleashed a scathing critique of Devin Haney's performance against Vasiliy Lomachenko. The Golden Boy Promotions CEO didn't pull any punches in his assessment of Haney's unanimous decision victory, sparking a fiery debate amongst boxing fans and pundits alike. De La Hoya's comments, delivered with his characteristic bluntness, have reignited discussions about Haney's fighting style and his place among the sport's elite.

Following Haney's relatively unconvincing win against Lomachenko on May 20th, De La Hoya took to social media and various interviews to express his disappointment. He wasn't shy about voicing his opinion, calling Haney's performance "boring" and questioning the legitimacy of his victory. This isn't the first time De La Hoya has been critical of Haney; their relationship has been marked by a degree of public friction in the past.

<h3>De La Hoya's Key Criticisms</h3>

De La Hoya's criticisms centered around several key points:

• Lack of Aggression: He argued that Haney was too passive and lacked the aggressive style needed to truly dominate Lomachenko, a fighter known for his exceptional skill and counter-punching ability. De La Hoya suggested Haney relied too heavily on his speed and elusive movement, instead of engaging in a more exciting and decisive fight.
• Uninspiring Performance: The fight, while technically sound for Haney, was widely criticized as being strategically dull. De La Hoya echoed these sentiments, stating the fight lacked the punch and excitement expected from a clash of such high-profile boxers. He emphasized the importance of delivering a captivating spectacle for the fans.
• Questioning Haney's Legacy: De La Hoya hinted that Haney's cautious approach could hinder his legacy within boxing. He suggested that consistently avoiding risk and opting for a points-based victory might prevent Haney from achieving true greatness in the sport.

<h3>Haney's Response and the Ongoing Debate</h3>

Haney, naturally, hasn't taken De La Hoya's comments lying down. He has defended his performance, highlighting his strategic approach and the fact he ultimately secured the victory. He pointed out that his strategy was effective against a highly skilled opponent like Lomachenko, and that his priority was winning, not necessarily entertaining. This sparked a heated debate on social media, with fans divided on whether Haney's approach was justified or a missed opportunity for a more explosive encounter.

<h3>The Wider Implications for Boxing</h3>

This public disagreement highlights a wider discussion about strategy and spectacle in boxing. Is it more important to win decisively, even if it means a less exciting fight, or should fighters prioritize delivering an entertaining bout for the fans, even if it increases the risk of defeat? The Haney-Lomachenko fight, and De La Hoya's subsequent comments, serve as a compelling case study in this ongoing debate. It also raises questions about the role of promoters in influencing fighter strategies and the pressure on boxers to deliver box office hits.

<h3>What's Next for Haney and De La Hoya?</h3>

The fallout from De La Hoya's criticism will likely continue to shape the narrative around Haney's career. While Haney remains undefeated and a reigning champion, the perception of his fighting style will undoubtedly be influenced by this controversy. As for De La Hoya, his outspoken nature ensures he will continue to be a prominent voice in boxing, offering his often-unfiltered opinions on the sport's biggest events and personalities. The future will tell whether this clash of opinions leads to further public disagreements or a potential reconciliation between these two significant figures in the boxing world. This is a story that will certainly continue to unfold.