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

James

3 min read

Post on Jun 06, 2025

4.6

Share

Oscar De La Hoya Slams Devin Haney's Performance After Controversial Lopez Loss

Oscar De La Hoya didn't pull any punches in his assessment of Devin Haney's performance against Vasyl Lomachenko, unleashing a scathing critique following the highly debated fight. The boxing legend, known for his outspoken nature and sharp analysis, didn't mince words, leaving no doubt about his disappointment in the lightweight champion's display. The controversial decision sparked outrage among many boxing fans and experts, and De La Hoya's comments only fueled the fire.

This isn't the first time De La Hoya has voiced his opinions on Haney's fighting style. Known for his own aggressive and exciting style during his illustrious career, De La Hoya's criticism highlights a perceived lack of dynamism and engagement in Haney's approach. But what exactly did De La Hoya say, and why is his critique causing such a stir within the boxing community?

De La Hoya's Key Criticisms: A Breakdown

De La Hoya's post-fight commentary focused on several key aspects of Haney's performance:

• Lack of Aggression: De La Hoya heavily criticized Haney's perceived lack of aggression, suggesting the champion relied too heavily on a defensive, counter-punching strategy. He argued that this approach failed to excite the audience and ultimately didn't showcase Haney's full potential. This criticism resonates with many fans who expected a more dominant performance from the champion.

• Running and Avoiding Engagement: The Golden Boy Promotions founder accused Haney of excessively running and avoiding close-quarters combat. This, De La Hoya contends, contributed to the controversial nature of the judges' scorecards and left many questioning the validity of the victory. This accusation taps into a common frustration with fighters who prioritize defensive tactics over exciting engagements.

• Uninspired Performance: Beyond specific tactical points, De La Hoya characterized Haney's overall performance as uninspired and lacking the fire and passion expected from a champion. He implied that Haney's approach was insufficient to convincingly defeat a fighter of Lomachenko's caliber.

The Wider Context: Haney's Legacy and Future Fights

De La Hoya's critique is significant not just for its immediate impact on the post-fight discussions, but also for its implications on Haney's long-term legacy. While Haney retains his undisputed lightweight championship, the controversial nature of the win and the subsequent criticism cast a shadow over his victory. This raises questions about his future fights and the level of competition he'll face going forward. Will he adapt his style to address the criticisms levelled by De La Hoya and other prominent figures in the boxing world?

This controversy also underscores the ongoing debate about judging criteria in boxing. The perception of a lackluster performance by the champion, despite a victory, highlights the need for clearer and more consistent judging standards to ensure fairness and excitement in the sport. [Link to an article discussing boxing judging controversies]

What's Next for Devin Haney?

The immediate future for Haney remains uncertain. While he retains his titles, the pressure is on to prove his dominance in a more convincing and exciting manner. His next fight will be closely scrutinized, with many anticipating a more aggressive and engaging performance to silence his critics. The question remains: will Haney heed the criticism and evolve his fighting style, or will he continue down a path that, while successful, leaves some unconvinced? Only time will tell.

Call to Action: What are your thoughts on Oscar De La Hoya's critique of Devin Haney's performance? Share your opinion in the comments below!