Oscar De La Hoya Blasts Devin Haney Following Teofimo Lopez Loss

James

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Post on Jun 06, 2025

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Oscar De La Hoya Blasts Devin Haney Following Teofimo Lopez Loss: "He's a Runner!"

Boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya didn't pull any punches in his assessment of Devin Haney's performance against Teofimo Lopez, unleashing a scathing critique following the controversial fight. The Golden Boy Promotions CEO took to social media to express his disappointment, accusing Haney of employing a defensive, arguably uninspired fighting style. The fallout from the fight has ignited a firestorm of debate among boxing fans and experts alike, with De La Hoya's comments adding fuel to the already raging controversy.

De La Hoya's Criticism: More Than Just Disappointment

De La Hoya's criticism went beyond simple dissatisfaction. He didn't mince words, labeling Haney a "runner" and expressing his belief that the fight lacked excitement and the action fans expected from a clash of such highly-ranked fighters. This sharp condemnation reflects a growing sentiment among some boxing purists who felt Haney prioritized point accumulation over engaging in a thrilling, action-packed fight.

"I'm extremely disappointed in Devin Haney's performance," De La Hoya tweeted. "He ran the whole fight and didn't give the fans what they wanted. He's a talented fighter, but he needs to show more heart and aggression." This statement, shared across multiple social media platforms, quickly went viral, sparking intense discussions about Haney's fighting style and the future of the lightweight division.

The Haney-Lopez Fight: A Point of Contention

The Haney-Lopez fight, billed as a unification bout, ultimately saw Haney retain his WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO lightweight titles. However, the fight itself proved highly divisive. Many viewers criticized Haney's defensive tactics, claiming he prioritized avoiding risk over delivering a crowd-pleasing performance. Lopez, known for his aggressive style, seemingly struggled to break through Haney's defense, leading to frustration among sections of the audience. [Link to a reputable boxing news site covering the fight]

What's Next for Haney? The Pressure Mounts

De La Hoya's comments raise significant questions about Haney's future. While he remains undefeated and holds all four major lightweight titles, the criticism from a figure as influential as De La Hoya could impact his public image and future matchups. Will Haney adapt his fighting style in response to the criticism? Will promoters be hesitant to match him against more aggressive opponents? These are questions that will undoubtedly shape the narrative in the weeks and months to come. The pressure is on Haney to prove his critics wrong and deliver the exciting, action-packed fights boxing fans crave.

The Ongoing Debate: Defense vs. Aggression in Boxing

The Haney-Lopez fight reignites the age-old debate in boxing: should fighters prioritize defense and point accumulation, or should they embrace aggression and risk to deliver a more entertaining spectacle? De La Hoya's outspoken criticism highlights this conflict, suggesting a preference for a more aggressive, crowd-pleasing approach. This discussion is likely to continue within the boxing community, influencing how future fights are marketed and perceived.

In Conclusion: Oscar De La Hoya's harsh assessment of Devin Haney's performance has stirred the boxing world, highlighting the ongoing tension between tactical defense and crowd-pleasing aggression. The future of Haney's career and the direction of the lightweight division hang in the balance. Only time will tell how Haney responds to this significant challenge. What are your thoughts on De La Hoya's critique? Share your opinions in the comments below!