Oscar De La Hoya Believes Errol Spence Jr. Needs to “Dig Deeper” After Split From Derrick James

It’s been over eight months since Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jr. fought. Though on seemingly different routes, both boxers have yet to return to the ring. Crawford might be positioning himself for a tentative title clash against Tim Tszyu in the 154-pound weight class. However, there’s no such report from Spence Jr.’s end yet. Rather, it’s on a sorry note that his name once again made it to the headlines. According to several accounts, the former unified welterweight champion and long-time trainer Derrick James decided to part ways.

The news has taken the sporting world by surprise. The Texas-based trainer has been instrumental in pushing Errol Spence Jr.’s career to the highest echelons of boxing. Many well-known names spoke about the split. With multiple big fights lined up over the coming weeks, Oscar De La Hoya remains a busy man. However, when reached out, the Olympic gold medalist and former world champion poured his heart out about the unfortunate event.

Oscar De La Hoya: The Rift in the Corner for Errol Spence Jr.

Little Giant Boxing uploaded a video on YouTube. It shows ‘The Golden Boy Promotions’ head speaking to a reporter. The latter asked, “What do you think about Derek James splitting from Spence? It looks like they parted ways.” It appears the query took De La Hoya by surprise since he asked, “Oh, they parted ways. Yeah, I didn’t know that one.” However, he wished both Spence Jr. and James the best in the world. Then he reckoned how Derrick James received last year’s trainer of the year award.

Switching gears, he touched base with Errol Spence Jr.’s career. Currently, it is in a tight spot. He emphasized how difficult it could be for a boxer to come back from a megafight such as the one ‘The Truth’ participated in against ‘Bud’ Crawford.

Then he suggested that the only recourse for the former world champion would be serious self-introspection. It’s all about how badly he wants to get back. If he has any doubts in his mind, then he shouldn’t bother about a return. Whereas if Spence Jr. is genuinely concerned about a comeback, then he should give it a shot. After all, he has suffered only one defeat. For a man of his talent, it should be a big deal, De La Hoya stressed.

“He’s got to really dig deep down inside and really tell himself if he really wants this, if he really wants it, then go after it. If you have if you have questions, then you might as well just start packing it up, but if you really want it, just go after him. Man, he has the talent. It’s only one loss; no big deal. Just you know, regroup and get right knack on top,” he said.

It might be the end of the road for Spence Jr. and James as a team. However, it shouldn’t be considered a game over by any stretch of the imagination.

The Bitter Sting of Separation

‘The Truth’ had triggered the rematch clause for a second fight with Crawford. However, with the unified champion chasing other pursuits and Spence Jr. having undergone recent eye surgery to remove cataracts, the possibilities of a rematch appear bleak for the time being.

During an interview, Derrick James suggested that it’s been some time since he has had a word with Spence Jr. Then conflicting updates, such as the tweet from Rick Glaser, reportedly suggested the former champion still owed the trainer’s fee to Derrick James. As per the latest news, Spence Jr. might be on the hunt for a new trainer.

What’s your take on the Derrick James-Errol Spence Jr. split? Do you think the differences grew after the July 29 loss to Crawford?

Also Read: “A True Champion”: Oscar De La Hoya and Coach Derrick James Laud Ryan Garcia for His Donation in Kids Welfare