Oscar De La Hoya Criticises Floyd Mayweather Jr Over Exhibition Matches
Oscar De La Hoya has recently expressed his discontent with Floyd Mayweather Jr’s ongoing involvement in exhibition bouts, urging the boxing icon to prioritise his legacy over lucrative, yet questionable, exhibition matches. This criticism follows Mayweather’s recent performances, including an underwhelming display against John Gotti III on August 24, which has left fans and critics questioning the future of the former champion’s career.
Mayweather’s Exhibition Matches and Public Perception
Floyd Mayweather Jr, widely renowned for his undefeated record and a career that reached its zenith with a victory over Conor McGregor in 2018, has since focused on exhibitions. Despite his official boxing career ending with a perfect 50-0 record, Mayweather has participated in eight exhibition bouts, most recently against Gotti, which has drawn significant criticism. The bout was marked by a series of controversies, including Mayweather’s request to change the referee midway through the fight, a move he justified by claiming the official was penalising him unfairly.
This recent match, described by De La Hoya as a “real shit show,” saw the crowd at the arena express their dissatisfaction with the spectacle. De La Hoya commented on social media, “Floyd Mayweather fought another exhibition against Gotti last Saturday. It was so embarrassing. Floyd really had the referee swapped out because he was told to stop hitting behind the head. He wasn’t getting his way this time.”
Financial Struggles and Legacy Concerns
De La Hoya’s comments are not solely focused on the nature of the exhibitions but also on Mayweather’s financial situation. Speculation has arisen that Mayweather’s lavish lifestyle and potential financial difficulties are driving his continued participation in these high-profile, albeit non-competitive, fights. Recent reports have highlighted a $4 million RICO lawsuit filed against Mayweather and rapper Tyga by a Miami jeweller, adding to the narrative that Mayweather’s wealth may be dwindling.
“Nobody wants to remember you like this,” De La Hoya remarked, referring to Mayweather’s current predicament. “Your jeweller filed a lawsuit against you in Miami and many are saying you’re going to have to sell off your assets.” De La Hoya’s concern reflects a deeper issue within the boxing world, where maintaining a positive legacy often becomes secondary to addressing immediate financial concerns.
De La Hoya’s Appeal to Mayweather
In his statement, De La Hoya urged Mayweather to stop undermining his legacy by participating in these exhibitions. “Floyd, you’re 50 years old, you’re a legend in the sport. I’ve stood up for you in countless interviews… but you have to stop embarrassing yourself in these exhibitions. I know life is hard, I know life is expensive, but come on, dude – put your legacy first.”
De La Hoya’s call for Mayweather to reassess his choices comes from a place of respect and concern. The former champion, who himself abandoned a comeback plan against Vitor Belfort in 2021, understands the pressures and challenges faced by fighters even after their prime years. However, he believes that preserving one’s legacy should take precedence over financial gains from exhibition bouts.
Conclusion: Mayweather’s Future in Boxing
As the boxing community watches closely, Floyd Mayweather Jr’s decisions moving forward will be critical in shaping his legacy. While his exhibitions continue to generate headlines and financial rewards, they also risk tarnishing the illustrious career he once enjoyed. Oscar De La Hoya’s critique serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between maintaining a legendary status and confronting financial realities.
As both fans and analysts await Mayweather’s next move, the focus will remain on whether he will heed De La Hoya’s advice and consider the long-term impact of his actions on his esteemed legacy.
