Golden Boy boss Oscar De La Hoya made it clear on social media that he is not in favor of Canelo Alvarez potentially choosing to defend his unified super middleweight titles against Chris Eubank Jr. after Wembley in London.
De La Hoya said on X,”UK fans don’t know a shit about boxing.” He was responding to a quote from Eubank Jr’s promoter, Ben Shalom, who said he thought the fight would sell out. Wembley.
De La Hoya feels that Canelo should be fighting top level fighters like David Benavidez. It’s cool from the way he’s built his fighting record with smaller guys like Edgar Berlanga and now possibly Eubank Jr.
Of course the fight would make money from the British audience, but it would make a mockery of the sport. Eubank Jr. he’s a celebrity fighter like Jake Paul, and he doesn’t belong in the ring with a world champion like Canelo.
If you’re a hardcore fan, you know what kind of fighter Eubank Jr. is. It is not close to the world level. He is a British “domestic level” fighter who is popular in the UK because of his father, but has never done anything to measure his popularity in real terms. He is the child of a celebrity, and he got attention for that.
You can’t throw Eubank Jr. with a middleweight champion like Janibek Alimkhanuly and expect him to last three rounds unless he is intentionally worn down. Eubank Jr. it is too limited as a fighter and an old limited fighter.
Although this is a venomous comment for De La Hoya to make, his thoughts behind it are that the fight is a mismatch and not worthy of Canelo and his fans. Eubank Jr. he is famous for being the son of former world champion Chris Eubank.
As the son of this star, Eubank Jr made good money in the UK, fighting strictly scrubs, fighters below the highest level. He made good money despite never beating anyone at the top level who wasn’t subpar or washed up.
Eubank Jr. he had a good run in the UK, fighting below world level fighters and making money that quality contenders could never dream of achieving. Eubank Jr. he is a famous but not world class boxer.
De La Hoya is obviously disgusted by the idea that Canelo would stoop to the level of fighting this type of fight. It would be good if it was an exhibition match because it would just be to entertain the UK fans and have a few laughs beating a guy who doesn’t belong in the ring with him.
This is a real fight and would count on Canelo’s record. It is contemptible. It’s like Floyd Mayweather Jr. fighting 0-0 novice Conor McGregor in 2017 to break Rocky Marciano’s 49-0 record.
The mistch was sanctioned. Eubank Jr. he’s not a contender at 168, he hasn’t beaten the fighters he should have to earn a title shot against WBA, WBC and WBO super middleweight champion Canelo. As such, should it be an exhibition match or not happen at all?
Eubank Jr. he will never try to climb the super middle ranking by beating talents like Osleys Iglesias, Diego Pacheco or Jaime Munguia because he is not talented enough. In my estimation, he wouldn’t even beat Edgar Berlanga.
Let’s face it: the 35-year-old Eubank Jr. (34-3, 25 KOs) is an inflated record full of non-world opposition. He stepped up once in his career against an A-level fighter, George Groves, and was defeated in a one-sided 12-round decision on February 17, 2018.
After that defeat, Eubank Jr the tomato circuitfighting these fighters:
– Kamil Szeremeta
– Liam Smith x 2: * KO in the first fight
– Liam Williams
– Wanik Audijan
– Marcus Morrison
– Matt Korobov
– Giacomo Degale: *Washed
– JJ McDonagh
Oscar De La Hoya hits out at British boxing fans today… pic.twitter.com/zSepGlUX0T
– Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) October 30, 2024
