In a dramatic encounter this week on social media, Oscar De La Hoya and rising star Ryan Garcia targeted Eddie Hearn, the renowned promoter, during the much-anticipated “Clapback Thursday.” Their combined criticism centered on the alarming performance of Hearn’s fighters in recent bouts, with De La Hoya spotlighting that an astonishing 14 of Matchroom’s competitors have suffered losses throughout the year. This staggering statistic set the stage for a roast that highlighted not just the statistics, but also the growing tension between various boxing promotional companies.
De La Hoya, leveraging the platform to underscore Hearn’s struggles, dissected the record of key fighters, including prominent figures like Anthony Joshua and Sandy Ryan, who faced setbacks just weeks apart. By presenting visuals of these losses and injuries, De La Hoya effectively illustrated a narrative of decline surrounding Matchroom Boxing, urging viewers to reconsider the effectiveness of Hearn’s promotional strategies.
Delving deeper into the discussion, De La Hoya made a strong case regarding Canelo Alvarez, the Mexican superstar who rose to fame under Golden Boy Promotions. He starkly contrasted Canelo’s decade-long association with his company to the shorter, tumultuous stint under Hearn that lasted merely eight fights. He portrayed this shift as a clear indicator of Hearn’s incompetence in properly managing a champion like Canelo, who built his legacy with De La Hoya’s guidance.
This comparison was not merely a defense of De La Hoya’s promotion tactics but an indictment of Hearn’s alleged failures. By demonstrating how Canelo thrived during his time with Golden Boy, De La Hoya aimed to reinforce the idea that successful promotion is deeply tied to understanding and nurturing talent—something he believes Hearn has clearly failed to do.
Ryan Garcia, who previously experienced friction with Eddie Hearn—stemming from comments made leading up to his match against Devin Haney—joined the fray to add a personal touch to the criticisms. His decisive gesture during the video, where he visibly expressed disdain for Hearn, revealed the underlying animosity fostered by Hearn’s remarks regarding Garcia’s capabilities and professional decisions. Garcia’s involvement not only amplified the exchange but also painted a picture of a younger generation of fighters unhappy with Hearn’s assessment of them.
This dynamic shift signifies a broader narrative in boxing, where established promoters face challenges from new talent that does not hesitate to confront perceived injustices. The emergence of figures like Garcia indicates a growing assertiveness among fighters who are increasingly willing to speak out against their promoters.
The public spat encapsulates the ongoing drama within the boxing industry, going beyond mere statistics to delve into personal relationships and professional rivalries. As De La Hoya and Garcia continue to hold Hearn accountable, the discourse sheds light on what it means to manage high-profile athletes in a volatile sport. Their critiques serve as stark reminders of the significant pressure promoters face in maintaining reputations and cultivating champions while navigating the unforgiving landscape of professional boxing. Valuable lessons can be drawn from this clash, offering caution and strategies to those in the business of fighting and promoting as they contend with both wins and losses.