De La Hoya Praises Teofimo For Avoiding “Runner” Haney After Failed Fight Negotiations

Promoter Oscar De La Hoya interjected himself into the aftermath of the Teofimo Lopez vs. Devin Haney failed negotiations today, saying Teofimo is “smart” for choosing not to “fight a runner” like Devin. Earlier today, it was revealed that Teofimo (22-1, 13 KOs) has pulled out of negotiations for a fight against Haney on August 16th in Saudi Arabia.

(Credit: Geoffrey Knott/Matchroom)

De La Hoya Backs Lopez

No reason was given for Lopez’s decision not to pursue the fight, but fans overwhelmingly believe he got cold feet about fighting Haney (32-0, 15 KOs). They’re saying that Teo is a “duck.”

Haney replied to De La Hoya, “What’s your obsession with me?”

Golden Boy promoter De La Hoya, with whom Teofimo isn’t signed, chose to involve himself in the discussion by trashing Haney, labeling him a “runner” with “less fans than Diddy does.”

He’s not directly involved in the fight: Neither Teofimo Lopez nor Devin Haney is currently signed with Golden Boy Promotions. De La Hoya, as the head of Golden Boy, has no direct promotional stake in this particular fight happening or not happening.

Earlier this week, De La Hoya posted an invitation to Teofimo on X to sign with him, saying, “If you have no promoter, give me a call. I can give you advice to take care of your best interests. Let’s make you a PPV star like you deserve.”

Oscar’s Self-Serving Move

Obviously, De La Hoya’s decision to come to Lopez’s defense today appears self-serving because it makes him look good by showing that he’s on his side by praising him for not taking the fight with Haney.

It would be interesting to know why Teofimo chose not to go through with the fight against Haney, because it’s one that would have paid well. They would have headlined on PPV at a catchweight of 145 lbs in Riyadh. The attention that Lopez would have received would have been huge, and it would have helped his career.

What’s your obsession with me? https://t.co/Q5oXDfx1BT

— Devin Haney (@Realdevinhaney) June 3, 2025

& I wanted the fight at 147 he wanted the fight at 140 we negotiated to meet at 145 even though he was willing to fight boots at 147

— Devin Haney (@Realdevinhaney) June 3, 2025