Oscar De La Hoya’s Fiery Critique of Premier Boxing Champions and Former Allies
Oscar De La Hoya, the iconic former boxer turned promoter, has long been known for his contributions to the sport and his outspoken personality.1
Recently, however, he made headlines with a passionate critique of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), the organization founded by boxing manager Al Haymon, and even former Golden Boy-promoted fighters, including Canelo Alvarez.
Table of Contents
De La Hoya’s History with PBC and Fighters’ Depxarture from Golden Boy
As the founder of Golden Boy Promotions, De La Hoya has helped shape the careers of many top fighters. His company was the first major promoter to bring Hispanic and Latino boxers to the American spotlight, helping fighters secure major broadcast deals and pay-per-view events.
However, over the years, several high-profile fighters, including Canelo Alvarez, Errol Spence Jr., and Deontay Wilder, have parted ways with De La Hoya’s organization to join PBC. The reasons vary, but fighters often cite the appeal of PBC’s lucrative deals and Al Haymon’s influence in the sport.
Canelo Alvarez: The Relationship and the Fallout
One of the most significant losses for Golden Boy was Canelo Alvarez, one of boxing’s biggest stars. Once a close associate and friend of De La Hoya, Canelo cut ties with Golden Boy in 2020 amid contractual disputes, choosing to work independently before affiliating with PBC for specific fights.
This move, perhaps more than any other, left a lasting impact on De La Hoya, as Canelo was not only a major draw but also a personal friend whom De La Hoya had promoted for years.
The “Traitors” Comment: A Closer Look
In his recent statements, De La Hoya’s use of the term “traitors” to describe boxers who shifted to PBC has drawn attention. He specifically referenced prominent names like Errol Spence Jr., Deontay Wilder, and the Charlo brothers.
While “traitor” may seem harsh, it captures De La Hoya’s disappointment with fighters who he believes were once loyal to his vision at Golden Boy but eventually abandoned it for potentially greener pastures.
Also Read: Canelo Álvarez: The Story Behind His Two Career Losses
Canelo Alvarez’s Regret Over Golden Boy Partnership and His Transition to Premier Boxing Champions
Canelo Alvarez’s career took a dramatic turn in 2020 when he split from Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions after a decade-long partnership. Alvarez, who had been one of Golden Boy’s most successful boxers and a close associate of De La Hoya, ended the relationship in a highly publicized and contentious legal battle.2
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The split, which came amid claims of contractual breach and financial disputes, led to a $280 million lawsuit against Golden Boy Promotions, and has since fueled an ongoing feud between Alvarez and De La Hoya.
Canelo’s Rise Under Golden Boy Promotions
In 2010, at the age of 20, Canelo Alvarez signed with Golden Boy Promotions, looking to make a name for himself in the United States and on the international stage. Oscar De La Hoya, a six-division world champion himself, believed in Alvarez’s potential, and their collaboration helped make Canelo one of the most marketable fighters in boxing.3
Through Golden Boy, Alvarez secured fights with prominent names, leading to iconic bouts with the likes of Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Gennady Golovkin, and establishing him as one of the biggest pay-per-view draws in the sport.
The $365 Million Contract Dispute and Legal Battle
In 2018, Canelo Alvarez signed a massive $365 million contract with streaming platform DAZN in collaboration with Golden Boy Promotions. This deal was among the richest in sports history, promising Alvarez 11 fights over five years.
However, as Alvarez prepared to fulfill the contract, disputes emerged. Alvarez alleged that Golden Boy and DAZN had failed to meet their contractual obligations, particularly concerning payment terms and fight schedules.
Leaving Golden Boy and Joining PBC: A New Era for Canelo
- After reaching a settlement in 2020, Canelo Alvarez was released from his Golden Boy contract, allowing him to become a free agent. This newfound freedom allowed him to carefully choose opponents and sign shorter-term contracts, granting him greater control over his career.
- Canelo’s subsequent move to Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) was strategic, aligning him with Al Haymon’s highly influential organization, which boasts a stable of top fighters, broadcast deals, and financial backing.
- For Canelo, the move to PBC marked a shift toward autonomy and empowerment as a boxer. By affiliating with PBC, Canelo gained direct access to lucrative fights without the long-term contractual obligations he faced under Golden Boy.
- He was also now free to negotiate on a fight-by-fight basis, maximizing his earnings potential while avoiding the limitations of a single promotional contract.
Canelo Alvarez’s Early Life: From Humble Beginnings to Boxing Stardom
Santos Saúl Álvarez Barragán, better known as Canelo Alvarez, was born on July 18, 1990, in a small town on the outskirts of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. The youngest of eight siblings, Alvarez grew up in a close-knit family on a farm in Juanacatlán, a rural area known for its strong community ties and simple way of life.
Despite the humble setting, Alvarez’s family laid a strong foundation that instilled in him the discipline and work ethic that would later define his boxing career.
Growing Up in Juanacatlán
At the age of five, Alvarez’s family relocated from the outskirts of Guadalajara to Juanacatlán, a small farming town with limited resources but a supportive community.
Life on the family farm provided Canelo with a grounding experience; he grew up surrounded by nature, tending to animals, and helping with daily tasks. These early years helped develop his resilience and work ethic, qualities he later attributed to his success in the boxing ring.
¿Quién es este wey? 🤔 https://t.co/p4QjSvhIRJ
— Canelo Alvarez (@Canelo) September 30, 2024
Alvarez’s Introduction to Boxing
Canelo’s journey into the world of boxing was significantly influenced by his older brother Rigoberto Alvarez. As the youngest child, he often looked up to his siblings, and Rigoberto’s interest in boxing soon captured Canelo’s curiosity.
Watching his older brothers practice boxing left a strong impression on him, and by the time he was around 13 years old, Canelo decided to try his hand at the sport.
Early Struggles and Triumphs
Starting out, Alvarez faced challenges that tested his commitment to boxing. Training facilities in Juanacatlán were limited, and Alvarez often had to make do with basic equipment and conditions. Additionally, as a fair-skinned, red-haired Mexican—traits uncommon in his community—Canelo was often teased.
He later adopted his nickname “Canelo,” which means “cinnamon” in Spanish, as a reference to his red hair and fair complexion, which had initially made him stand out.
Also Read: Canelo Alvarez Impressive Weight Loss Transformation
Canelo Alvarez’s Professional Career: A Rising Champion from a Young Age
Turning professional at the unprecedented age of 15, Canelo Alvarez launched a remarkable career that would quickly position him as one of boxing’s top contenders.
The decision to go pro came shortly after his victory at the Junior Nationals, a championship win that showcased his burgeoning skills and caught the attention of his trainers, the father-and-son duo Chepo and Eddy Reynoso.
Early Professional Fights: Demonstrating Knockout Power
Within the first 19 months of his professional career, Alvarez demonstrated his raw power and skill by knocking out eleven of his first 13 documented opponents. This streak was particularly notable given that all his opponents were significantly older and more experienced than the 15-year-old boxer.
Despite the age difference, Alvarez proved himself in the ring, showing that he had both the physical prowess and mental resilience to succeed in professional boxing.
Rising through the Ranks: Gaining National and International Attention
As Canelo continued his professional journey, he fought frequently, taking on a variety of opponents and building a strong record. His dedication to training and discipline quickly translated into victories, and his reputation grew.
By the age of 18, Canelo had built a substantial following in Mexico and was making waves in the boxing world, with many seeing him as a potential champion.
Signature Fights and Breakthrough Moments
Canelo’s breakthrough came when he fought experienced and well-regarded opponents, a move that solidified his place as a serious contender. Among these early significant matches was his 2010 bout against former welterweight champion Carlos Baldomir.
Despite Baldomir’s reputation and veteran status, Alvarez delivered a stunning knockout in the sixth round, further elevating his standing in the boxing community. This victory earned him not only respect from fans but also the attention of international promoters who saw Canelo as a rising star.
Canelo Alvarez’s Net Worth in 2024: A Financial Breakdown of the Boxing Icon’s Wealth
As of 2024, Mexican boxing sensation Canelo Alvarez has an estimated net worth exceeding $275 million, thanks to a career marked by lucrative fight purses, high-profile sponsorships, and savvy financial moves. Canelo’s financial journey has seen substantial growth since his breakout as a young champion, securing him a spot among the wealthiest athletes worldwide.
Record-Breaking Contract with DAZN: The $365 Million Deal
- In 2018, Canelo Alvarez signed a monumental 11-fight contract with streaming service DAZN, worth a staggering $365 million. This deal, one of the largest in sports history at the time, promised Alvarez a minimum of $35 million per fight and underscored his dominance in the boxing world.
- However, complications arose with the contract, leading to a high-profile fallout between Alvarez, his promoter Golden Boy Promotions, and DAZN.
- Despite the initial promise of this massive contract, Alvarez ultimately received only $50 million for his first two fights on DAZN.
- Due to what he cited as unmet contractual obligations and non-payment of the agreed-upon amounts, Canelo exited the deal in 2020 and subsequently filed a lawsuit against both his promoter and DAZN.
- In this suit, Alvarez sought compensatory damages of at least $280 million, including punitive damages and coverage for legal fees.
Lawsuit and Financial Rebound
The legal battle, though contentious, set Alvarez on a path toward greater financial independence and control over his career. The lawsuit ended in a settlement, allowing Alvarez to break free from his DAZN contract and Golden Boy Promotions, paving the way for him to negotiate his own fight terms and pursue promotional partnerships that better suited his financial goals.
In regaining his independence, Alvarez increased his earning potential by negotiating directly with promoters and broadcasters, securing multi-million-dollar deals on a fight-by-fight basis. This flexibility allowed him to maximize his revenue, contributing to the rapid growth of his net worth over the next few years.
Post-Lawsuit Earnings: Maximizing Fight Revenue
Following his split with DAZN, Alvarez aligned with various broadcasters and promoters on his own terms. This independent approach allowed him to command a large percentage of revenue from pay-per-view sales, sponsorships, and promotional deals, which proved highly lucrative.
By carefully selecting opponents and maintaining his position as one of the most marketable fighters globally, Canelo’s earnings per fight skyrocketed. Some estimates place his earnings for a single fight at upwards of $40 million, thanks to his ability to retain a higher portion of PPV sales and endorsements.
FAQ’S
1. What did Oscar De La Hoya say about PBC and its members?
Ans: De La Hoya recently referred to members of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) as “traitors,” expressing frustration with some of the fighters and industry figures who he feels turned against him after working closely with his promotion company, Golden Boy Promotions.
2. Why did De La Hoya mention ‘jealousy’ in relation to Canelo Álvarez?
Ans: De La Hoya suggested that there might be a sense of “jealousy” on Canelo’s part. The tension seems to stem from Canelo’s departure from Golden Boy Promotions in 2020, which led to a legal dispute and public disagreements between the two.
3. How has Canelo Álvarez responded to De La Hoya’s comments?
Ans: Although Canelo has not made a direct response recently, he has historically distanced himself from De La Hoya since leaving Golden Boy, focusing on his own career and promotions.
4. What impact could this have on Golden Boy Promotions and PBC?
Ans: De La Hoya’s remarks might fuel existing rivalries between Golden Boy Promotions and PBC, potentially affecting future collaborations or fighter matchups between the two organizations.
5. What’s next for Oscar De La Hoya after these comments?
Ans: De La Hoya is likely to focus on promoting upcoming Golden Boy events and fighters, including high-profile bouts in 2024. His public comments suggest he may also work on reinforcing Golden Boy’s brand and its place in the competitive landscape of boxing promotions.
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