What Did Oscar De La Hoya Say About Dana White After Canelo vs. Crawford Shook the Combat Sports World?

In a significant moment for the boxing world, Dana White's inaugural boxing promotion of the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford fight faced scrutiny from boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya. De La Hoya publicly criticised the event, labelling it a failure, while also praising Crawford's performance. The event's viewership numbers further fuelled the discussion, as they fell short of expectations and even lagged behind other high-profile bouts.

Last updated: 30 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Dana White's first boxing event was the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford fight.
• Oscar De La Hoya publicly criticised the event, highlighting its shortcomings.
• Terence Crawford received commendations for his performance, while Canelo Alvarez faced harsh criticism.
• The fight's viewership numbers were significantly lower than those of Jake Paul's previous bouts.
• De La Hoya called for changes in matchmaking after an underwhelming undercard.

Background on the Event

The Canelo vs. Crawford fight marked Dana White's debut as a boxing promoter, a role he took on following years of managing the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). This transition raised expectations among fans and industry insiders alike. White, known for his brash style and promotional prowess, was anticipated to bring a fresh approach to boxing. However, the aftermath of the event suggests that the transition was not as seamless as intended.

Oscar De La Hoya's Criticism

Oscar De La Hoya, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and former world champion, has had a long-standing rivalry with Dana White. Following the fight, De La Hoya did not hold back his opinions. In a candid Instagram post, he expressed his satisfaction in predicting Canelo's loss, stating, “God, it makes me horny to tell you I told you so.” He emphasised that Canelo's lacklustre performance was evident, noting that his footwork was poor and that he struggled to connect with Crawford. De La Hoya's comments reflect a broader sentiment within the boxing community regarding the fight's outcome.

The Performance of Terence Crawford

Despite the criticisms aimed at the event, De La Hoya did commend Terence Crawford for his impressive performance. Crawford, who moved up three weight classes to face Canelo, showcased his skills and dominated the fight. De La Hoya remarked, “Props to Crawford. He came up three weight classes and fought a beautiful fight.” His performance was not only a testament to his abilities but also raised questions about Canelo's future in the sport.

Concerns About the Undercard

Another focal point of De La Hoya's criticism was the undercard of the event. He expressed disappointment in the quality of fights, suggesting that it did not live up to expectations for a high-profile promotion. De La Hoya addressed Turki Alalshikh, the Saudi promoter financing the event, urging him to reconsider his matchmaking team. “As far as the undercard, Jesus Christmas. I feel bad for Turki wasting all that money,” he noted. This remark highlights the importance of strong supporting fights in a boxing event, which can significantly impact viewer engagement and overall satisfaction.

Dana White's Challenges as a Boxing Promoter

While Dana White may have thought the event went well, the backlash from De La Hoya and others suggests that the boxing community is holding him to high standards. White faced difficult questions during the event, particularly regarding the Muhammad Ali Act, which aims to protect fighters in the sport. De La Hoya seized upon this moment, arguing that White's dismissal of legitimate concerns from reporters reflected poorly on his new role. “So you’re saying this reporter’s an a–hole because he’s asking a legitimate question?” De La Hoya stated, emphasising the need for accountability in boxing.

Viewership Numbers and Comparisons

The viewership numbers for the Canelo vs. Crawford fight were another point of contention. Reports indicate that the main event attracted only 41 million viewers, a figure that is respectable yet pales in comparison to Jake Paul's fight with Mike Tyson, which reportedly amassed an astonishing 108 million viewers. Furthermore, the Canelo-Crawford fight did not surpass the 74 million viewers who tuned in for the rematch between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano.

The Implications of Viewership

The viewership figures raise questions about the current landscape of boxing and the appeal of traditional matches compared to celebrity boxing events. Jake Paul, despite facing criticism, has proven to draw significant audiences, indicating a shift in viewer preferences. This trend poses challenges for established promoters like Dana White as they navigate this evolving market.

What Comes Next for Dana White and Boxing?

As Dana White continues to promote boxing, he will need to address the criticisms and expectations that come with his new role. Ensuring high-quality matchups and engaging undercards will be crucial in regaining the trust of boxing fans. Additionally, the reception of his first event could influence future promotions and partnerships in the sport.

Future Challenges

The response from the boxing community, including figures like Oscar De La Hoya, suggests a need for White to adapt his approach. Engaging with traditional boxing audiences while also appealing to newer fans will require a delicate balance. White’s ability to navigate these challenges will ultimately determine his success in the boxing industry.

Conclusion

The debut of Dana White in boxing has sparked a significant dialogue about the sport's direction and the standards expected from its promoters. Oscar De La Hoya's pointed criticisms highlight the challenges White faces in transitioning from MMA to boxing. As the sport evolves, the lessons learned from this event will be crucial for future promotions and the ongoing relationship between traditional boxing and emerging trends.

What do you think will be the next steps for Dana White in boxing? Will he adapt his strategies to meet the expectations of the boxing community? #Boxing #DanaWhite #OscarDeLaHoya

FAQs

What did Oscar De La Hoya say about the Canelo vs. Crawford fight?

Oscar De La Hoya criticised the event, labelling it a failure and highlighting Canelo's poor performance while praising Terence Crawford's skills.

How many viewers watched the Canelo vs. Crawford fight?

The fight attracted approximately 41 million viewers, which was significantly lower than Jake Paul's fight with Mike Tyson, which garnered 108 million viewers.

What are the implications of the fight's viewership numbers?

The viewership numbers suggest challenges for traditional boxing promotions, especially in light of celebrity boxing events that attract larger audiences.

What did De La Hoya suggest about the undercard fights?

De La Hoya expressed disappointment in the quality of the undercard, urging the promoter to reconsider the matchmaking team to improve future events.

What challenges does Dana White face in boxing?

Dana White must navigate the expectations of boxing fans, ensure high-quality matchups, and adapt to the changing landscape of the sport to succeed as a promoter.