Oscar De La Hoya Slams Devin Haney With Sharp Criticism Following Lopez Loss

James

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Post on Jun 05, 2025

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Oscar De La Hoya Slams Devin Haney After Controversial Lopez Loss: "He Ran!"

Boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya unleashed a scathing critique of Devin Haney following his controversial points victory over Vasiliy Lomachenko on May 20th, 2023. De La Hoya, known for his outspoken nature and sharp boxing acumen, didn't pull any punches in his assessment of Haney's performance, accusing the lightweight champion of employing a defensive, uninspired fighting style. The fight, which saw Haney retain his WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO lightweight titles, has sparked widespread debate among boxing fans and experts alike.

De La Hoya's Sharp Criticism: The Golden Boy Promotions CEO took to social media and various interviews to express his disappointment. He didn't mince words, stating that Haney "ran" throughout the fight, avoiding meaningful exchanges and failing to deliver the exciting, action-packed bout many expected from a clash between two such skilled fighters. De La Hoya's criticism went beyond simply labeling Haney's performance as boring; he implied a lack of heart and suggested Haney prioritized a win by points over a dominant, crowd-pleasing victory. This sentiment resonates with many viewers who felt the fight lacked the intensity and excitement typically associated with high-profile boxing matches.

The Lomachenko-Haney Controversy: The fight itself was a close contest, with the judges ultimately awarding Haney a split decision victory. While Haney landed more punches overall, Lomachenko's cleaner, more impactful shots left many feeling he deserved the win. The controversial decision fueled the already simmering debate surrounding Haney's fighting style, with many critics echoing De La Hoya's sentiment. The fight highlighted the ongoing discussion about the scoring system in boxing and the subjectivity involved in judging close contests.

Haney's Response and Future Prospects:

Haney, for his part, has defended his performance, claiming he executed his game plan perfectly and secured the victory. He countered De La Hoya's accusations, highlighting his strategic approach and the effectiveness of his defensive tactics. However, the criticism from a boxing legend like De La Hoya carries significant weight and is unlikely to be easily dismissed. It remains to be seen how Haney will address these criticisms and whether he will adapt his fighting style in future bouts. The controversy has undoubtedly cast a shadow over his victory, and the pressure will be on him to deliver a more compelling performance in his next fight.

The Impact of De La Hoya's Statement:

De La Hoya’s outspoken criticism is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it adds fuel to the ongoing discussion about judging criteria and the need for more transparency and consistency in professional boxing. Secondly, it brings increased attention to the debate surrounding defensive fighting styles and their place in the sport. Finally, it puts pressure on Haney to prove his critics wrong in upcoming fights, potentially leading to more aggressive and entertaining performances.

What's Next for Haney and the Lightweight Division? The future of the lightweight division remains exciting, with several potential matchups for Haney on the horizon. However, the Lomachenko fight, and De La Hoya's subsequent criticism, will undoubtedly shape the narrative surrounding Haney’s career and his next steps in the ring. The question remains: will Haney adapt his style, or will he continue to rely on a more defensive approach? Only time will tell.

Call to Action: What are your thoughts on Devin Haney's performance and Oscar De La Hoya's criticism? Share your opinions in the comments below! Let's discuss this controversial fight and its implications for the future of boxing.