In a surprising turn of events, Oscar De La Hoya, former promoter of boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez, has unveiled an audacious plan for a ‘Super Bowl’ weekend boxing extravaganza. De La Hoya’s proposal aims to bring together some of the brightest talents in the sport, regardless of their promotional affiliations, in an effort to invigorate the boxing world with thrilling matchups.
The centerpiece of this ambitious endeavor is a potential clash between Golden Boy’s rising star, Ryan Garcia, and either Teofimo Lopez or the victor of the upcoming WBC 140-pound title fight between Regis Prograis and Devin Haney. Lopez, under the banner of Top Rank, and Prograis, signed with Matchroom, would represent a meeting of boxing worlds in what promises to be an electrifying showdown. Devin Haney, currently a free agent, adds another layer of intrigue to the mix.
But De La Hoya’s vision extends beyond the main event, as he seeks to assemble an undercard that would be the envy of the boxing world. A lightweight battle between two-division titlist Shakur Stevenson and Golden Boy-promoted William Zepeda promises fireworks, while a 168-pound clash featuring Golden Boy-backed Jaime Munguia against either Sergiy Derevyanchenko or Edgar Berlanga could steal the show. The opener would pit Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield against the seasoned Joseph Diaz, creating an in-house rivalry that’s sure to draw attention.
Boxing Extravaganza: Canelo’s Ex-Promoter Presents ‘Super Bowl’ Event with Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney, and Others
De La Hoya’s inspiration for this ambitious undertaking came after visiting The Sphere, a state-of-the-art amphitheater in Las Vegas. This cutting-edge venue, recently opened to the public, has sparked the imagination of the boxing promoter, who sees it as the ideal setting for a spectacular night of pugilistic action.
In recent days, De La Hoya has been vocal in his criticism of the undisputed 168-pound championship bout between Canelo Alvarez and Jermell Charlo, referring to it as “super boring.” He emphasized the urgent need for promoters to stage “super fights” on a regular basis in order to keep the sport of boxing vibrant and captivating for fans worldwide.
While De La Hoya’s ‘Super Bowl’ boxing event is undoubtedly an ambitious undertaking, it signals a potential shift in the boxing landscape. By putting aside promotional differences and focusing on delivering top-notch matchups, this initiative could breathe new life into the sport and fulfill the desires of fans craving high-stakes, must-see fights.
