Oscar De La Hoya: Teofimo Lopez Smart To Skip "Running" Haney

James

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Post on Jun 05, 2025

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Oscar De La Hoya: Teófimo López Smart to Skip "Running" Haney, Eyes Bigger Fights

Boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya believes Teófimo López made a shrewd move by bypassing a fight with Devin Haney, opting instead to pursue bigger, more lucrative opportunities. The controversial decision, met with mixed reactions from fans and analysts, has been defended by De La Hoya, who sees López's strategic thinking as a key factor in his future success.

López's Calculated Risk:

López, the former unified lightweight champion, recently announced he's moving on from a potential bout with Haney, the current undisputed lightweight champion. Many considered a Haney fight the logical next step, a high-profile clash to cement López's legacy. However, De La Hoya, a keen observer of the boxing world and a former champion himself, views the situation differently. He argues that Haney's fighting style, often described as "running" or overly defensive, wouldn't provide the explosive, action-packed fight fans expect from López. "Teófimo is a warrior," De La Hoya stated in a recent interview. "He wants exciting fights, fights that will grab the attention of the world. Haney's style simply wouldn't deliver that."

Beyond Haney: The Bigger Picture:

De La Hoya's perspective goes beyond the immediate matchup. He believes López is strategically positioning himself for even bigger fights, potentially against names like Gervonta Davis or Ryan Garcia. These bouts offer significantly higher paydays and greater global recognition. A fight with Haney, while prestigious, might not provide the same financial rewards or media exposure. "Teófimo is thinking long-term," De La Hoya explained. "He's not just chasing a belt; he's building a brand, and that takes calculated decisions."

The Haney Factor:

While De La Hoya praises López's strategic thinking, he acknowledges the challenges Haney presents. Haney's undefeated record and undisputed championship status make him a formidable opponent. However, De La Hoya believes the potential rewards of facing bigger names outweigh the risks of fighting a more defensively-minded champion like Haney. He suggests that López's decision reflects a shift in the boxing landscape, where fighters increasingly prioritize lucrative matchups over strictly following traditional ranking systems.

The Future for López:

So what's next for Teófimo López? De La Hoya's comments suggest a focus on securing a high-profile clash with one of boxing's top names. The possibility of a future fight with Haney remains open, but for now, López appears committed to a path that prioritizes both financial gain and high-stakes, exciting matchups. This strategic approach, according to De La Hoya, is a smart move for a fighter aiming for lasting success in the cutthroat world of professional boxing. The boxing world waits with bated breath to see which opponent López will target next.

Keywords: Oscar De La Hoya, Teofimo Lopez, Devin Haney, boxing, lightweight champion, boxing strategy, boxing news, Gervonta Davis, Ryan Garcia, boxing match, fight analysis.