Oscar De La Hoya has called on boxing promoters to unite for the betterment of the sport.
The Golden Boy Promoter’s comments came after reports that Showtime may pull out of boxing next year. Such news would hamper the sport, given the mega fights that the network has put on this year. This included Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia, Errol Spence Jr. vs Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez vs. Jermell Charlo. The fights have had the impact of creating three fight gates, which have generated over $20 million. And yet, that has not been enough to solidify the future of Showtime. But in order to improve the sport of boxing, De La Hoya wanted to see all promoters put their differences aside.
“If we want boxing to survive, if we want boxing to thrive, we need super-fights, like all the time. Fighters must fight each other. We have to come together. Promoters – Eddie Hearn, Al Haymon, Bob Arum, whoever’s out there, let’s come together, I’m calling you out! Let’s come together, let’s meet……the power of the minds, and come up with something, because boxing can die. I’m calling you all out. Let’s do this,” De La Hoya
Nevertheless, De La Hoya’s own conduct has fallen short of his words. The former world champion does not have the best of relationships with Eddie Hearn, despite the duo working together with DAZN. This recently came to a head following De La Hoya’s comments about Canelo Alvarez ending ties with DAZN/Matchroom Boxing to sign a three-fight deal with PBC.
“Lonesome Eddie, huh? Lonesome Eddie. There is stuff I can’t talk about because of business but look, he’s a great promoter in Europe. In the UK. Just let me do my job here and let me take care of business, you know,” De La Hoya
While there is a rivalry between all promoters, it may get in the way of making the biggest fights. And until that actually changes, boxing fans will ultimately suffer in the long run.