The PED Controversy: De La Hoya Slams Devin Haney and Raises Questions Over Ryan Garcia’s Suspension
Ryan Garcia is facing a significant suspension and financial penalties for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), but it’s Devin Haney who has recently found himself at the center of a storm of criticism. Oscar De La Hoya, Garcia’s promoter and head of Golden Boy Promotions, has weighed in, delivering a scathing critique of Haney and highlighting inconsistencies in how PED violations are punished in the boxing world.
De La Hoya’s Take on PED Punishments
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Oscar De La Hoya has been vocal about his stance on PEDs, making it clear that he does not condone their use. However, he is equally adamant that the punishment for such infractions should be consistent. In a recent Instagram post, De La Hoya did not hold back, calling out the discrepancies in the penalties handed out to different fighters. “I do not understand it… Canelo Alvarez gets popped in a different state, gets six months, Shane Mosley gets popped and gets zero,” he stated emphatically.
It’s noteworthy that Canelo Alvarez, who previously worked with De La Hoya, tested positive for clenbuterol in 2018 and received a six-month suspension, although he faced no financial penalties. Similarly, Shane Mosley admitted to using EPOs supplied by Victor Conte in 2003 but faced no repercussions when this was revealed in 2007. In stark contrast, Garcia has been hit with a suspension, a fine, and the obligation to repay his contract purse, which De La Hoya argues is unfair.
Devin Haney in the Crosshairs
Devin Haney, who was celebrating the no-contest ruling of his fight with Garcia, did not escape De La Hoya’s criticism. “You are pathetic,” De La Hoya said bluntly, referencing a video Haney posted of himself dancing in a bowling alley. De La Hoya didn’t stop there, accusing Haney of being delusional about his marketability. “Nobody’s gonna forget about that beating you took,” he added, suggesting that Haney’s claims of not being paid were baseless. “You can audit my company anytime you want,” De La Hoya declared, reinforcing his stance.
Haney’s Perspective
Haney, on his part, is keen on a rematch with Garcia to restore his reputation. Speaking on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Haney expressed his frustration over the financial hit he took due to the PED controversy and the subsequent low purse offer for his mandatory title fight against Sandor Martin. “He will pay for what he did in and out of the ring,” Haney asserted, indicating his desire for a rematch if the conditions are right. He also hinted that his next fight would not be against Garcia but left the door open for a future bout.
Editorial Insight: The Golden Boy’s Fury
Oscar De La Hoya’s impassioned remarks shed light on the complex and often controversial world of PED enforcement in boxing. His points about inconsistent punishments resonate, especially when comparing Garcia’s severe penalties to the more lenient treatments of other high-profile fighters like Alvarez and Mosley. De La Hoya’s comments also underscore the ongoing tensions between promoters, fighters, and the regulatory bodies that govern the sport.
Devin Haney’s response to the controversy illustrates the high stakes involved, both financially and reputationally, for fighters caught up in PED scandals. Haney’s eagerness for a rematch with Garcia signals his determination to reclaim his standing, though whether Garcia will agree remains uncertain. This saga highlights the need for a more transparent and consistent approach to PED violations in boxing, ensuring fairness for all athletes involved.