Oscar De La Hoya Stands Firm: Ryan Garcia’s Victory Shines Bright Despite $1.5 Million Setback
In the aftermath of Ryan Garcia’s stunning victory over Devin Haney, the boxing world was abuzz with discussion, not just about the fight itself, but also about Garcia’s weight controversy and the hefty financial penalty incurred as a result. However, amidst the chaos and speculation, one voice stood firm in defense of Garcia’s triumph: Oscar De La Hoya, the renowned promoter.
“Do you think that being overweight tarnishes the win a little bit?”
“I don’t know, not at all,” he stated firmly. He went on to elaborate, “The casual fan, the boxing fan, they saw a great fight. They saw Ryan demolish Devin Haney.”
“Will Devin Haney be back? Absolutely, he’ll be back; he’s a great fighter,” he acknowledged, showing respect for Haney’s resilience and skills. Yet, the spotlight remained firmly on Garcia. “I have a lot of respect for him, for his family, you know it was Ryan’s night and we should give him all the credit in the world,” De La Hoya added
When questioned about the impact of Garcia’s weight miss on the significance of his victory, De La Hoya remained resolute in his stance, asserting that the essence of the fight overshadowed any external factors. He adamantly stated, “I don’t know, not at all,” emphasizing his belief that Garcia’s stellar performance spoke volumes, transcending the overshadowing effect of the financial penalty.
De La Hoya’s admiration for both Garcia and Haney was palpable as he acknowledged the intensity of the bout and the resilience displayed by both fighters. Despite Haney’s defeat, De La Hoya expressed confidence in his ability to bounce back, recognizing him as a formidable competitor in the ring.
“I think he had a very interesting night,” De La Hoya remarked, puzzled by one judge’s decision to score the fight a draw, calling it “mind-boggling.”
His critique of Dock was pointed: “The referee, you know he could have done a better job. He could have maybe been neutral instead of Ryan fighting two people inside that ring [on the same] night.”
In addition to praising Garcia’s victory, De La Hoya didn’t hesitate to address the controversial role of the referee, Harvey Dock, during the match. He expressed his bewilderment at one judge’s decision to score the fight a draw, criticizing Dock’s performance and suggesting that his neutrality could have been compromised, potentially affecting the outcome of the fight.
Furthermore, De La Hoya extended his praise to both Garcia and Haney, acknowledging Haney’s resilience and Garcia’s exceptional performance. Despite the challenges faced, including questionable referee decisions during the match, Garcia’s determination and skill prevailed, solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with in the boxing world.
In the face of adversity, Garcia’s victory shines as a testament to his unwavering spirit and undeniable talent. As debates rage on about the significance of the weigh-in debacle, De La Hoya’s unwavering support serves as a beacon of affirmation for Garcia and his fans, reinforcing the belief in his triumph despite the setbacks.
