In a sport that has long been celebrated for its fierce competition and willingness to pit the best against the best, Oscar De La Hoya’s recent comments about Canelo Alvarez’s performance have raised a crucial question: Are we witnessing a decline in the caliber of boxing matches? During a segment of ‘Clap Back Thursdays,’ De La Hoya was vocally critical of Alvarez’s bout against Edgar Berlanga held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This criticism not only speaks to one fighter’s performance but also reflects a broader concern about the state of boxing itself and the direction it seems to be heading.
The backdrop to De La Hoya’s criticisms is particularly telling. He predicted that the fight would not be a sell-out event, and it turned out there were indeed portions of the arena that remained curtained off, indicating a lack of significant interest. De La Hoya’s assertion isn’t merely about attendance; it symbolizes a growing disconnection between elite boxers and their fans. The expectation of high-stakes, thrilling matches seems to be dwindling, replaced by promotional spectacles that often disappoint in the ring.
Alvarez, with a record of 62 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws, was expected to deliver an electrifying show against Berlanga. However, the bout went the distance, a result that has become all too common for fighters at this level. De La Hoya pointed out that Alvarez, despite landing powerful shots that might have overwhelmed a super middleweight contender, was unable to secure a knockout. More importantly, it raises concerns about Canelo’s aggressive pursuit in the ring. The notion that a boxer of his caliber could not make a dent against a cruiserweight raises red flags about both his current fighting strategy and physical endurance.
While De La Hoya criticized Berlanga’s performance as one of simply surviving, he conveniently overlooked the fact that such matchmaking from Alvarez suggests a hesitance to engage with fighters who may offer a higher risk and reward scenario. The criticism from De La Hoya invites fans to question Alvarez’s choices when it comes to his opponents. Shouldn’t he be fighting Chris Morrell, David Benavidez, or Isley Iglesias instead? After all, the essence of competitive sports lies in the unpredictable edge that arises when skilled adversaries face off.
Central to De La Hoya’s critique is the transformation in the mentality of fighters today compared to past eras. He lamented the current culture that rewards fighters merely for completing 12 rounds rather than securing decisive victories. His nostalgic perspective points out a decline in expectation; fighters today seem more content with ‘surviving’ fights rather than demonstrating the fierce ambition that characterized previous generations. De La Hoya’s declaration about wanting to see fighters ‘go to war’ indicates a yearning for the sport’s rich history filled with thrilling finishes and compelling rivalries.
Alvarez, now 35 years old, seems to be approaching a different phase in his career, one where financial security supersedes relentless pursuit of glory. The conversation leads to a generational divide in boxing ethics. While modern-day fighters may prioritize sustainable careers and safe paths to retirement, it raises the question of whether boxing—once a sport of grit and valor—has become merely a business transaction.
De La Hoya’s impassioned rhetoric invites a call to action: boxing fans deserve more. His criticism serves as a rallying cry against accepting mediocrity within the sport. After all, the fans contribute to the lifeblood of boxing, providing attendance, viewership, and support. So, why must they settle for what feels like watered-down competitions?
The idea that Alvarez is shying away from formidable opponents like Benavidez and Bivol paints a stark image of a fighter perhaps more concerned with risk management than the thrill of the fight. Fighters with “balls,” as De La Hoya put it, are often the ones who generate the most excitement, captivating audiences and raising the stakes for everyone involved.
The boxing community must introspect and ponder the ramifications of a sport that might be tolerating low-level competition. De La Hoya’s criticisms reflect vital concerns about how the very essence of boxing—a sport built on bravery, excellence, and competition—may be losing its flair. The call for high-stakes matches shouldn’t just be considered wishful thinking but a necessary requirement to reinvigorate interest and engagement in boxing as a whole.