Oscar De La Hoya's Scathing Attack On Devin Haney After Lopez Loss

James

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Post on Jun 05, 2025

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Oscar De La Hoya Unleashes Fury on Devin Haney After Controversial Loss to Vasiliy Lomachenko

Boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya didn't pull any punches in his scathing assessment of Devin Haney following his closely contested points loss to Vasiliy Lomachenko on May 20th, 2023. De La Hoya, known for his outspoken nature and sharp boxing acumen, accused Haney of lacking the necessary aggression and fighting spirit to overcome the Ukrainian legend. The fight, a highly anticipated clash of styles, saw Lomachenko reclaim the WBA lightweight title in a decision that sparked significant debate amongst fans and experts alike.

De La Hoya's criticism wasn't subtle. In a series of explosive social media posts and interviews, he didn't mince words, labeling Haney's performance as underwhelming and questioning his mental fortitude in the face of adversity. This harsh critique from a boxing icon adds fuel to the already raging fire of controversy surrounding the fight's outcome.

De La Hoya's Key Criticisms: A Lack of Heart and Aggression

De La Hoya's central argument focused on Haney's perceived lack of aggression. He argued that Haney, known for his slick boxing skills and defensive prowess, failed to impose his will on Lomachenko, allowing the counter-puncher to dictate the pace and rhythm of the fight.

• "He didn't show the heart a champion needs," De La Hoya stated in a post on his social media. This comment highlights a key point of contention – the perceived lack of fire and determination from Haney in the face of Lomachenko's relentless pressure.

• "He needs to want it more," De La Hoya added, suggesting a deficiency in Haney's mental game. This echoes a common critique levied against technically gifted fighters who sometimes struggle to adapt to pressure or impose their will on more aggressive opponents.

• "He ran away from the fight," De La Hoya's accusation of Haney avoiding engagement is a significant claim, implying a tactical flaw that allowed Lomachenko to control the fight's flow. This comment underscores the debate around whether Haney's defensive strategy was effective or ultimately detrimental to his chances of victory.

The Aftermath and Haney's Response

Haney, for his part, has remained relatively quiet, choosing not to directly engage with De La Hoya's criticisms. However, his team has hinted at a potential rematch, suggesting that the young champion isn't ready to concede defeat. This potential rematch adds another layer of intrigue to the already complex narrative surrounding this pivotal fight.

The controversy surrounding the Lomachenko-Haney fight continues to generate considerable buzz within the boxing community. De La Hoya's outspoken criticism has undoubtedly added fuel to the fire, prompting further debate and analysis of Haney's performance and future prospects.

What's Next for Devin Haney?

The path forward for Devin Haney is now uncertain. Will he seek a rematch with Lomachenko? Or will he pursue other high-profile fights to solidify his position as a top lightweight contender? Only time will tell. One thing is certain, however: Oscar De La Hoya's scathing attack has significantly impacted the narrative surrounding the young champion, adding another layer of complexity to his already challenging career trajectory. The debate continues, and the future of Haney's reign remains very much up in the air. Will he heed De La Hoya's criticisms and return with renewed aggression? The boxing world waits with bated breath.

(Call to Action: Share your thoughts on De La Hoya's comments and Haney's future in the comments section below!)