The fight exposed gaps in Canelo’s usual in-fight adaptability. Despite his lifelong partnership with Eddy Reynoso, Alvarez seemed unable to make the adjustments necessary to counter Crawford’s technique. His corner provided limited solutions between rounds, and the Mexican superstar’s frustration was apparent.

Former promoter and boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya weighed in on Canelo’s future, highlighting a potential solution. “The only thing that I can tell him or give him advice is ‘get a new trainer,’” De La Hoya said, according to CBS Sports. “I can’t advise him on retiring or staying in boxing; that’s a very personal decision.“

“But I can say, get a new trainer, you’ll do better, a new trainer will teach you different tricks. Imagine him getting one of the best trainers in the world like a Ronnie Shields who’s going to teach you footwork, who’s going to teach you speed and movement and not be so heavy on your feet. So imagine with his power and his reflexes — he still has a chance to fight several more fights with the elites, but he needs a new trainer.” De La Hoya added.

Could a trainer switch revitalize Canelo?

De La Hoya’s advice stems from a career-long perspective on elite boxing. He pointed out that Canelo’s footwork and movement were exposed by Crawford, and that other technicians like Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Dmitry Bivol had previously frustrated Canelo with similar precision. A new trainer could potentially add dimensions to Canelo’s game, helping him remain competitive at the highest level.

The road ahead for Canelo

Canelo is still capable of competing with the best, particularly against fighters who engage him in styles favorable to his strengths. De La Hoya emphasized that Canelo’s power and reflexes remain elite and that careful matchmaking could allow him to continue racking up victories. Whether Canelo heeds the advice to switch trainers or sticks with Reynoso will be critical for his next chapter, possibly including a rematch with Crawford.

Oscar De La Hoya, the longtime boxing icon and promoter, wasted no time reigniting his feud with UFC president Dana White. The comments came just days after Crawford’s shocking upset, underscoring De La Hoya’s ongoing frustration with both White and Alvarez.

During a fiery statement, De La Hoya criticized White’s promotional approach and questioned Alvarez’s legacy, suggesting that many of his high-profile victories were “fluff” and that the only serious opponents he faced—Floyd Mayweather, Dmitry Bivol, and Crawford—all outclassed him.

De La Hoya targets Dana White and Canelo

“I promoted Canelo’s entire career and it was a huge fluff,” De La Hoya said via Instagram. “The only real fighters he’s faced were Mayweather, Bivol, and Crawford, and they all toyed with him.”

He didn’t stop at Alvarez. De La Hoya mocked White’s appearance and questioned his accountability when discussing the Muhammad Ali Act, adding: “Dana White didn’t have his best week, his t-shirt shrank smaller every minute, especially when he was questioned about his attempt to amend the Muhammad Ali Act… TKO needs it to change so they can f— fighters over.”

According to De La Hoya, White even skipped much of the undercard on fight night, showing up only for the main event while reportedly watching UFC on his phone. “After this debacle, he decides to skip the undercard and shows up in the beginning of the main event… Dana, Canelo, f— you,” De La Hoya concluded.

History of the White–De La Hoya feud

De La Hoya and White’s tension is longstanding, often erupting over fighter pay, promotional practices, and the dynamics between boxing and MMA. Their rivalry escalated publicly in 2017 when White promoted the crossover fight Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor, which De La Hoya vocally opposed.

Despite De La Hoya’s tirade, White has yet to respond directly. Over recent weeks, he has defended the UFC’s growth and star power, citing record business performance and a landmark $7.7 billion TV deal designed to reshape the promotion’s broadcast future.

As the boxing and MMA worlds digest Crawford’s stunning victory, the feud between De La Hoya, White, and Canelo adds yet another layer of intrigue. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether this latest exchange sparks a new chapter in one of combat sports’ most public rivalries.

Davis, who has made a name for himself with highlight-reel knockouts and electrifying performances, appeared vulnerable in his most recent outing. Meanwhile, Stevenson delivered what many are calling the most complete performance of his career. With both men holding titles and momentum, the debate over who would emerge victorious has intensified—and now, one of boxing’s most iconic voices has weighed in.

Oscar De La Hoya, speaking to Ring Champs with Ak & Barak, shared his bold prediction for the hypothetical clash, and he didn’t hold back. “They’re different styles obviously. Shakur fights more on his back foot and fights tall. Throws one, two punches. Tank takes more risk. He goes forward more and has more power. I’m going to pick Tank by brutal knockout.”

De La Hoya’s take is notable, especially given Stevenson’s reputation as one of the sport’s most technically sound defensive fighters. But the promoter believes that Davis’ aggressive style and punching power would ultimately be too much.

Which fighter’s style has the edge?

Stevenson’s tall, technical, back-foot approach frustrates opponents with distance control and precision. Davis, in contrast, pushes forward with explosive power and unrelenting aggression. Oscar’s pick implies Davis’s power could overwhelm Stevenson — especially if he lands clean.

What’s next in potential Davis vs. Stevenson fight?

No fight has been confirmed — but speculation is mounting. De La Hoya’s prediction adds to the pressure to make the bout happen. As boxing fans wait, the hype continues to build around what could become one of the defining fights of the lightweight division.

Boxing is a huge sport and this Saturday, the world will stop as Jake Paul fights Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Of course, if it takes place inside the squared circle, Oscar De La Hoya will have a say on it. He has already given a prediction, but now says it all depends on one massive thing.

As published by DAZN, De La Hoya said, “Julio Cesar Chavez went 12 rounds with Canelo. He’s a former world champion, a world champion in boxing. So this is a real, legitimate fight.” But more than that, De La Hoya’s main factor for this bout is seeing which version of Chavez we’ll see.

“I obviously wonder what version of Chavez Jr. we will see. Will he be in great shape? Will he be out of shape? Will he make weight? There are a lot of questions about that, but in the end, one has to say: Jake Paul, congratulations. This is a real, first and legitimate former world champion you are facing,” Oscar said.

Chavez Jr. has had his ups and plenty of downs

Chavez Jr. was always destined to be a draw in the boxing world. Being the son of one of the greatest pound-for-pound boxers of all time in Julio Cesar Chavez, the pressure was real. At first, Paul’s opponent delivered.

He started his career 46-0-1 (1NC). However, he was fighting lesser quality than others. His first loss was against Sergio Martinez, he then bounced back and positioned himself to fight Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez. The redhead boxer danced around Chavez for 12 rounds, and then, his career started to fall apart.

After that, he is 4-3 but fighting people that’s not top-tier. He lost to Daniel Jacobs and even lost to former UFC fighter Anderson Silva, who lost to his current opponent, Jake Paul. That combined to his off-ring shenanigans hampered what was supposed to be a storied career.

Jake Paul is coming for his name

Jake Paul is fighting names, not wars. This means that if Paul agreed to this fight, it’s because he recognizes Chavez Jr.’s name value, but doesn’t see him as a big threat to him.

After all, Paul is 11 years younger and Chavez Jr. is not precisely known for his knockout power. This could be an indictment on Chavez Jr.’s career. He either shuts up the disruptive Paul, or his family’s name come into question once again due to another underachieving performance. It’s a very important fight for Chavez Jr.

In a recent social media post, De La Hoya criticized the growing media frenzy around the fight. The former boxer took issue with several aspects of the fight’s promotion, starting with the significant weight disparity between the two fighters.

“You have Crawford jumping up two weight classes to fight Canelo, who’s a natural light heavyweight,” De La Hoya said. “Crawford, who couldn’t push back Madrimov? Life and death with Madrimov. What do you think Canelo’s gonna do to him? Run him out of the ring.”

De La Hoya’s criticism centers on Crawford’s move to face Canelo, questioning how the 35-year-old Crawford will fare against a much bigger opponent. He is particularly concerned with the disparity in size and strength, which he believes could heavily favor Canelo.

Dana White’s role as promoter

A major point of contention for De La Hoya is Dana White’s involvement in the fight. The UFC president was announced as the co-promoter alongside Turki Alalshikh and SELA. De La Hoya didn’t hold back, criticizing White’s role in the promotion, especially considering his lack of experience in the boxing world.

“You know what’s laughable also? Dana White being named the promoter of this fight, considering he’s never been in the boxing space, has no stable of boxers, he didn’t negotiate (expletive). And is being handed this fight on a silver platter, and called ‘promoter.’ He is the trust fund baby of boxing.” De La Hoya said, expressing his disbelief at White’s rapid rise as a boxing promoter.

Clash of schedules: Canelo, UFC, and the fans

Another aspect of the Canelo vs. Crawford promotion that De La Hoya finds troubling is the decision to schedule the fight during the same weekend as UFC Noche Fight Night. De La Hoya has long been an advocate for prioritizing the fans, and he argues that this scheduling clash shows a lack of respect for them.

“Does that not mean this fight is not important? Do they not give a (expletive) about the fans or viewership? Why is it that Canelo has to fight during the day on Mexican Independence Day weekend?” De La Hoya questioned. According to De La Hoya, the scheduling decision reflects a prioritization of money over the interests of fans, something that he believes Canelo is guilty of.

Looking ahead

As the fight approaches, the tension between De La Hoya and the parties involved in the promotion continues to mount. His critique of both Canelo Alvarez and Dana White adds fuel to the fire, intensifying the debate about how the sport should be managed and promoted. Whether the fight lives up to its “fight of the century” hype remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the eyes of the boxing world will be firmly fixed on this high-profile matchup.

More than fifteen years after that pivotal night, De La Hoya is reflecting on the moment that changed the course of his legacy. As the boxing world turns its attention to Pacquiao’s upcoming fight against Mario Barrios on July 19 in Las Vegas, De La Hoya has offered a blunt, four-word summary of what it felt like to trade punches with the Filipino legend.

“It didn’t do anything.” That’s how De La Hoya described Pacquiao’s punches in a recent conversation—an admission that speaks volumes, not necessarily about power, but about the methodical destruction Pacquiao once delivered.

De La Hoya breaks down Pacquiao’s fighting style

Speaking on the Combat Podcast, De La Hoya clarified that while Pacquiao’s blows lacked knockout force, it was the relentless pace and precision that overwhelmed him. “It’s funny, because I didn’t feel Pacquiao’s punch, it didn’t do anything to me. Maybe it’s because Pacquiao was coming up in weight,” he explained. “I believe that was his first fight at welterweight, so I didn’t really feel his punch. With him it was more of an accumulation.”

While the former champion’s tone remains respectful, his reflections provide insight into how elite fighters perceive damage not just through brute force, but sustained tactical pressure.

A word of caution for Pacquiao’s comeback

With Pacquiao now set to face WBC welterweight titleholder Mario Barrios, De La Hoya offered advice rooted in both experience and concern. Speaking to Seconds Out, the Golden Boy issued a warning: “I wish him all the best. Obviously the truth is the truth, he’s obviously not the same Pacquiao that fought me, that fought the greats.”

The age gap between Pacquiao, now 46, and the 29-year-old Barrios is hard to ignore. De La Hoya added, “Be careful up there, he’s not young like he used to be, but I’m sure he still has that power so anything can happen.” It’s a reminder that boxing, especially at the highest levels, is an unforgiving sport, where legacy and risk are constantly at odds.

What’s next if Pacquiao wins?

Should Pacquiao defy the odds and overcome Barrios, he already has his eyes set on another challenge. Although no official names have been confirmed, speculation around a high-profile matchup is gaining momentum.

Whether his return is the beginning of a farewell tour or a genuine bid for another world title, one thing remains certain: Pacquiao’s presence still captivates. And for those who’ve faced him, like De La Hoya, the memory of his whirlwind offense lives on—even if the punches, in Oscar’s words, “didn’t do anything.”

Set for June 28 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, the bout marks Paul’s return to the ring since his controversial victory over Mike Tyson last November. That fight, which ended in a unanimous decision for the YouTuber-turned-boxer, signaled the final curtain for the 58-year-old Tyson and added another layer of spectacle to Paul’s unconventional boxing rise.

For Chavez Jr., the fight is more than just another headline event—it represents a shot at redemption. A former WBC middleweight titleholder and the son of Mexican legend Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., the 39-year-old has battled demons outside the ring but now appears reinvigorated. And if De La Hoya’s words are any indication, he may be entering this bout with something to prove.

De La Hoya believes in Chavez’s comeback path

While speaking to Power 106 Los Angeles, Oscar De La Hoya was candid about his impressions of Chavez Jr.’s recent form. The Golden Boy promoter acknowledged the hardships that have long followed the Mexican fighter but pointed to a noticeable shift in his discipline and drive.

“I can see redemption, you know, because he’s had a tough life,” De La Hoya said. “Being the son of the father and then the expectations, the pressure, he got involved with drugs and this and that… he seems like he’s doing better and he’s doing good, and I’ve seen him train lately.”

The sentiment reflects a deeper appreciation for the complexity of Chavez Jr.’s journey. After years of turmoil, there’s a belief that he may have turned a corner just in time for what could be one of the most pivotal nights of his career.

A bold prediction from a legendary father

Perhaps even more compelling is the assessment from Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., who appears to have regained faith in his son’s preparation. De La Hoya recalled his conversation with the elder Chavez, revealing a statement that may resonate with both confidence and pressure.

“I’ve talked to the father and he says ‘Look, if my son shows up to the ring the way I’ve seen him in the last few months,’ I think he said last six, seven months, he goes ‘Yeah he’s gonna knock out Jake Paul.’”

Such a declaration could raise eyebrows, but it also hints at how seriously Team Chavez is taking this bout. With rumors swirling that Paul could be eyeing a future fight with Gervonta Davis, the stakes for this June event have grown exponentially.

Whether redemption or disruption lies ahead, one thing is certain: boxing purists and casual fans alike will be tuning in to see if Chavez Jr. can shake the past and stop the meteoric—and polarizing—rise of Jake Paul.

Earlier this month, it was confirmed that Canelo will defend his undisputed super middleweight championship this September against Crawford, a three-division champion who recently claimed the WBA light middleweight title after defeating Israil Madrimov in August.

Canelo, who unified the 168-pound division after defeating William Scull on May 3 in Riyadh, now owns all four major belts at super middleweight for the second time in his career—a historic feat. Yet despite the magnitude of the matchup on paper, De La Hoya isn’t convinced.

De La Hoya sounds off: ‘Hear me out’

Speaking candidly on social media, De La Hoya shared a pointed critique: “So hear me out. Crawford will be 38 and Canelo is 35. Crawford hasn’t fought in a year and got exposed by Madrimov, in my opinion. Canelo has been getting exposed for the past few years. Can anyone please explain to me how this is the ‘biggest fight in boxing’?”

De La Hoya’s comments have reignited debate across the sport. While many fans and analysts still view Canelo vs. Crawford as a generational clash, others echo “The Golden Boy’s” concerns—particularly regarding both fighters’ recent performances and their age heading into the bout.

Criticism on both sides

Canelo’s unanimous decision win over Scull was met with mixed reviews, with critics arguing that the Mexican star looked flat and vulnerable. Meanwhile, Crawford—despite his win over Madrimov—did not appear to be at his dominant best, raising further questions about how sharp he’ll be after more than a year out of the ring.

With the fight now set but still months away, one thing is certain: the promotional build-up is only just beginning, and De La Hoya’s blunt commentary may be the first of many polarizing takes in what promises to be a deeply scrutinized lead-up to fight night.

A pivotal moment in his career came two years ago when he faced undefeated Briton Tommy Fury, marking the first official loss of his pro record. His most recent performance came against none other than Mike Tyson, whom he defeated by unanimous decision in a fight that drew global attention last November in Texas.

Now determined to shed the label of “celebrity boxer,” The Problem Child has repeatedly voiced his ambition to become a legitimate world champion. One notable figure who recently weighed in on Paul’s trajectory is Oscar De La Hoya, a Hall of Famer whose own career includes ten world titles across six weight divisions.

De La Hoya’s endorsement

In a recent conversation with Boxing News, De La Hoya addressed the possibility of a future clash between Jake Paul and current undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez. Surprisingly, the “Golden Boy” offered an emphatic endorsement of Paul’s seriousness and potential in the sport.

“I think Jake Paul is such a genius in luring in Canelo that he had Canelo actually talk about Jake Paul. That’s a genius move from him. I think that Jake is doing the right moves for his career, and I strongly feel that he is serious about boxing for the first time. I feel that Jake Paul has a real, real shot at winning a world title,” said De La Hoya, sparking considerable buzz with his unexpected support.

What’s next for Jake Paul?

Jake Paul’s next challenge is scheduled for June 28, when he will step into the ring against former WBC middleweight world champion Julio César Chávez Jr. The fight, set at cruiserweight, will take place at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

This matchup is being closely watched, as it will not only test Paul’s ability to handle a seasoned former world champion, but also serve as a key moment in his effort to gain credibility as a true contender within the sport’s traditional hierarchy.

Dropped in the second round and outboxed for much of the fight, the former interim champ couldn’t replicate the firepower that led him to knock Devin Haney down three times last year. The outcome not only put a dent in Garcia’s momentum but also clouded plans for a highly anticipated rematch with Haney.

Speaking to YSM Sports Media, Oscar De La Hoya dismissed any notion that the defeat was disastrous. “A little gun shy, that year off. All that power from Rolly. But he’ll go back to the drawing board and he’ll live to see another day. It’s not devastating at all. At all,” he said.

De La Hoya’s confidence

De La Hoya acknowledged the full twelve rounds as a positive takeaway and expressed confidence that Garcia still knows how to reach his best version. “He knows he’s way better than that. He knows what he has to do.”

What’s next? Haney or Rolly again?

Despite the loss and the blow it dealt to the rematch’s appeal, De La Hoya remains convinced that a second fight with Devin Haney is inevitable. “It’ll be back. It has to happen,” he said.

Garcia, for his part, left the door open for either option, expressing interest in running it back with Romero, now the WBA Regular Welterweight Champion, or revisiting unfinished business with Haney. One thing is clear: Garcia’s next step will be decisive in defining whether this was merely a stumble or the start of a longer fall.

While public anticipation has largely focused on the possibility of a Canelo-Benavidez duel, a potential rematch with Dmitry Bivol, or even a nostalgic reunion with Gennady Golovkin, the reality is clear: Canelo is set to face Scull this Saturday, May 3, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. And the undefeated Cuban boxer is determined to prove his worth on the global stage.

In a recent interview, Scull responded directly to influential figures such as Oscar de la Hoya and Juan Manuel Marquez, who have questioned whether he belongs in the same ring as the Mexican champion. Far from intimidated by the critiques of these boxing legends, Scull firmly defended his resume and the legitimacy of his title opportunity.

“To each their own, everyone has their own opinion and way of expressing things,” Scull remarked during an interview with Azteca Deportes. “I tell people that to those who say I am a bum, no—I am a world champion, and the position I have is because I earned it. Nothing has been given to me; I earned the belt.” These words draw a clear line against the dismissive remarks, reaffirming Scull’s status as a legitimate contender in the super middleweight division.

Scull’s fight for recognition

In an interview with TUDN, Scull also drew parallels between his own rise in boxing and the early careers of figures like De La Hoya and Marquez. Scull expressed his frustration with the lack of recognition despite his hard-fought journey: “It bothers me that they say I am unknown, but I have been boxing in four countries, defeating opponents across the globe. Today, I am a world champion. I haven’t had the support of TV or a big promoter, but what I’ve achieved, I’ve done on my own.”

Scull vs. Canelo: A high-stakes challenge

With an undefeated record of 23-0, including nine knockouts, Scull is fully aware of the magnitude of his upcoming fight with Canelo. Nevertheless, his confidence remains unshaken. “I’ve faced many different styles of boxers, and I’ve always adapted, defending and attacking with precision,” Scull said.

He added: “I’m a fighter for life, and I’m going to give everything in every fight. Tactically, we’re in great shape.” Scull’s conviction and strategic approach reveal the heart of a fighter determined to make his mark, despite the pressure and the significant challenge that lies ahead in Saudi Arabia.