The conversation between Stephen A. Smith and Oscar De La Hoya covered a wide range of topics in the world of boxing, from upcoming fights to the state of the sport itself. Oscar De La Hoya, a former boxing champion and now a prominent promoter, shared his insights and opinions on various issues.
They discussed the success of Golden Boy Promotions and the challenges of promoting fights in a fragmented industry. De La Hoya expressed his satisfaction with the current position of Golden Boy Promotions but acknowledged the difficulties of making big fights due to the fragmented nature of boxing.
The conversation then shifted to the highly anticipated fight between Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney. De La Hoya provided insights into Garcia's mindset and preparation for the fight, addressing concerns about Garcia's recent behavior and performance. He highlighted Garcia's unique style and expressed confidence in his abilities despite facing a tough opponent in Haney.
Video:
Stephen A. also raised questions about Canelo Alvarez's recent fights and his reluctance to face certain opponents, particularly David Benavidez. De La Hoya expressed disappointment in the lack of certain matchups but praised the upcoming fight between Jaime Munguia and Canelo Alvarez, predicting it could be a changing of the guard in boxing.
The conversation touched on other topics such as Terence Crawford's dominance in the sport, the potential dangers of older fighters like Mike Tyson competing, and the recent tragic injury sustained by a young boxer.
De La Hoya emphasized the importance of safety regulations in boxing and the need for promoters, fighters, and commissions to prioritize the well-being of athletes. Despite the risks involved, both De La Hoya and Stephen A. expressed their love and respect for the sport of boxing and their hopes for its future.
