Canelo Alvarez Failed 2 Doping Tests? Oscar De La Hoya’s Reality Check Draws “Horrible” Reactions From Boxing World

The boxing world had barely begun to recover from the online feud between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Gervonta Davis (now Abdul Wahid) when it found itself confronted with another dispute involving a boxer and his former promoter, locked in a bitter confrontation. Oscar De La Hoya and Canelo Alvarez had to be prevented from going at each other’s throats during the press conference for Saturday’s fight between Alvarez and Jaime Munguia. Why? After years together, De La Hoya and Alvarez went their separate ways in 2020. The latter even filed a lawsuit against the Olympic gold medalist and promoter.

The terms between the two never improved thereafter. Perhaps all the pent-up emotions were simply awaiting the right moment for release. The opportunity cropped up following Alvarez’s comments. Oscar De La Hoya, during his speech, mentioned the super middleweight champion failing two drug tests back in 2018. The reference seemingly irked Alvarez, who got up from his seat and walked towards De La Hoya. Thankfully, security stepped in, preventing the situation from escalating. A few big names joined fans and followers in sharing their thoughts and views as the footage of the incident went viral.

The Squabble Before the Square Up: Canelo Alvarez and Oscar De La Hoya

Oscar De La Hoya appreciated Canelo Alvarez’s prowess as a boxer. But he added, “However, I would be remiss if I didn’t respond to the man I used to promote.” Reminding how it was ‘The Golden Boy’ who took Alvarez to the world stage, the former world champion said that sadly, he had been busy dishonoring him for some time. He should have rather focused on promoting the May 4 fight, De La Hoya lamented.

Admittedly, he went through some low points in life. “But that doesn’t change the fact that Golden Boy built Canelo Alvarez period. The company you fought under for for for decades has always had one name, and it’s mine, so put some f**king respect on it,” said Oscar De La Hoya.

Then he called to mind how a young 21-year-old Jaime Munguia pitched in to fight Gennady Golovkin when Canelo Alvarez tested positive in two drug tests.

All That Glitters Ain’t ‘Gold’: Fans

Streams of comments have been flowing in. Some flayed ‘The Golden Boy’. However, a few took up the cudgels to show some support as well.

For instance, David Benavidez, who has his own beef to cut with Alvarez, believes that Oscar De La Hoya deserves more recognition and appreciation.

But Leonard Ellerbe seems to differ diametrically.

A user who followed the Mayweather Promotions CEO highlighted the parallel spat between Mayweather Jr. and ‘Tank’. They wondered where all such in-house fighting would eventually lead. They also expressed concerns over the kind of impact it would have on the sport.

Then the next one felt sorry for the fighters on the Golden Boy roster.

Likewise, the next follower wondered whether any fighter worth his salt would be keen enough to sign up with Oscar De La Hoya.

However, this user believes that De La Hoya could be as Ellerbe described; however, that doesn’t take away from the fact that the entire incident is helping the fight with some great promotion.

It is the fourth title defense for Canelo Alvarez. He remains a clear favorite to win, even when many expect Munguia to give him a tough fight. Needless to say, Oscar De La Hoya would still prefer putting his money on the former light middleweight champion.

In March 2018, ahead of the Golovkin rematch, Canelo Alvarez received negative test results in two drug tests. Found to have clenbuterol, he subsequently received a six-month suspension backdated to February 17, 2018, the date when he failed the first drug test. Hence, his ban remained effective until August 17. That’s why the rematch with Golovkin, initially scheduled for the Cinco de Mayo weekend, met with cancellation and finally occurred on September 15.

What’s your take on the reactions? Do you agree with Ellerbe’s scathing comments?