After Gervonta Davis, now Abdul Wahid after converting to Islam, defeated Ryan Garcia last year, ‘Tank’ called himself the new face of boxing. On the other hand, after his WBO Super-Lightweight title defense against Dierry Jean in 2015, Terence Crawford branded himself as “the new face to boxing“. Later, ‘Bud’ Crawford became undisputed at 140 and 147 lbs. But, Oscar De La Hoya feels when it comes to “focus,” Devin Haney deserves to be called the face of boxing!

Haney is currently undefeated with 31 wins. In addition to becoming undisputed at Lightweight, he moved up to Super-Lightweight last year to win the WBC from Regis Prograis. Now, on April 20th, Haney will defend the same against Ryan Garcia. On that note, De La Hoya just praised how Haney has maintained his career in the sport.

Oscar De La Hoya praises Bill Haney for keeping Devin Haney focused and hungry

During his latest interaction with FightHype, a reporter told Oscar De La Hoya that Bill Haney always drew a parallel between Canelo Alvarez and Devin Haney’s journey. “The way he built his career, people and kids look up to him. So, that’s what makes him the face of boxing. Would you agree with that?” She asked Oscar De La Hoya. In his reply, De La Hoya said that Haney had been in boxing forever.

“Since he was a kid, right? And he was brought up by a good man. That’s what I respect about Bill. I’ve spent a lot of time with him at a home in Vegas, on the plane. And I respect that. He keeps him in line and he keeps him focused and hungry,” said De La Hoya.

“Devin, he’s in a league of his own, basically. Just the way he’s focused. He literally breathes, eats, and sleeps boxing. Which is what you’re supposed to do at this level,” the CEO of Golden Boy Promotions added. At this, on being asked how hard it was for a boxer to stay focused, De La Hoya recounted personal experience.

‘Golden Boy’ had to be kept away from women

According to Oscar De La Hoya, with critics as well as admirers, it is tough to stay focused when one has reached the elite level in the sport. For the same reason, observing the manner in which Haney has been maintaining his career, the 51-year-old said, “It’s so hard and I know that from experience. With me, they had to keep me away from the women. Because they would chase me all the way up to the mountain.”

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“But, it’s hard to keep that focus. Especially, at this level. The elite level. So, that’s why you gotta respect it,” he added. At this, Oscar was asked if Devin Haney resembled Floyd Mayweather. To conclude, the 51-year-old announced that Haney had his own style and was on his way to writing his own story. Anyway, do you think it is the focus that makes Haney the face of boxing? Let us know in the comments below.

Also Read – Shakur Stevenson Calls Devin Haney “Delusional” for Accusing Him of Ducking