Oscar De La Hoya believes boxers maintaining their undefeated file is overrated and doesn’t routinely imply you’ll be able to earn eight-figure purses.
De La Hoya gave strong recommendation to fighters like Shakur Stevenson, who nonetheless has his ‘0’, and Jaime Munguia, who not too long ago misplaced his to Canelo Alvarez in Las Vegas.
The Golden Boy boss outlined his views in a complete chat with Shannon Sharpe on Membership Shay Shay.
Requested by Sharpe about fighters who’re extra involved with being undefeated than taking an enormous combat, the ten-time world champion identified that it takes a whole lot of work outdoors the ring to grow to be a star.
“The issue is that fighters suppose they will make fifteen million {dollars},” he informed Sharpe. “Fighters have to comprehend their very own price. They create their very own price. Sure, the promoter is aware of tips on how to navigate your profession and get you the best wins and place to grow to be a world champion, however it’s as much as you to promote your self.
“Take a look at Floyd Mayweather. Take a look at fighters like Canelo, who’ve abilities and combat laborious, however on the identical time, they’ve that massive fan base as a result of they’re working it outdoors the ring.”
As Sharpe talked about, followers need knockouts as a substitute of choices, the topic of Stevenson was instantly breached, alongside Munguia.
“I will provide you with an ideal instance of a younger fighter proper now in that place: Shakur Stevenson,” mentioned De La Hoya. “The best fighter I’ve ever seen. He has a lovely model, nice approach, punching energy, and a chin, however he wants the boldness to combat. He has to imagine in himself to placed on a great present and promote seats.
“That’s the issue he’s having. He is a superb fighter, demanding all the cash, and fights should not getting made.”
He continued, “There’s a stigma in boxing that for those who lose your ‘0,’ your profession is over. No, it’s not. You might be an undefeated fighter and never be a man that everyone desires to see. All of it is dependent upon the way you carry out.
“You’re nearly as good as your final combat in boxing. Let’s say Munguia vs Canelo. Munguia misplaced, however in his comeback combat, he knocks him out if he chooses the best opponent, who appears like 1,000,000 {dollars}. Effectively, guess what? He’s again and possibly even greater than when he fought Canelo. So it’s all technique and about the way you carry out contained in the ring,” concluded the 1992 Olympic gold medalist.
Learn all articles and unique interviews by Phil Jay. Be taught extra concerning the creator, skilled boxing author, and World Boxing Information Editor since 2010. Comply with on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
