In the world of boxing, the drama outside the ring can often be as captivating as the action within it. Recently, Oscar De La Hoya, the former world champion and boxing promoter, made headlines with his bold claims about one of the sport’s biggest stars, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. According to De La Hoya, fans are becoming increasingly frustrated with Canelo, accusing him of “ducking” certain fights, which has led to a growing boycott among the boxing community.

De La Hoya, who has had a tumultuous relationship with Canelo in recent years, did not hold back in his criticism. “Fans are starting to boycott Canelo because they feel he’s not taking on the toughest challenges,” De La Hoya stated. “They’re tired of seeing him avoid fights that would truly test his skills and legacy.”

The specific accusation of “ducking” pertains to Canelo’s reluctance to face certain high-profile opponents that fans and pundits believe would offer a true test of his abilities. De La Hoya highlighted several names that have been floated as potential matchups for Canelo, including Gennady Golovkin for a trilogy fight, David Benavidez, and Jermall Charlo. “These are the fights that fans want to see,” De La Hoya argued. “These are the fights that would cement Canelo’s status as an all-time great.”

The tension between De La Hoya and Canelo is not new. Their relationship soured significantly after Canelo’s departure from De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions in 2020. Since then, De La Hoya has frequently criticized Canelo’s career choices, questioning the legitimacy of his opposition and the motives behind his fight selections.

“Canelo has the talent, there’s no doubt about that,” De La Hoya conceded. “But to be the best, you have to fight the best. Fans see that he’s taking easier fights, and they’re losing interest. It’s bad for the sport and it’s bad for his legacy.”

Canelo, for his part, has defended his choice of opponents, citing various reasons including promotional issues, weight class differences, and the timing of fights. His team argues that he has consistently sought out and defeated champions across multiple weight divisions, proving his versatility and dominance.

Despite this defense, the rumblings among fans are growing louder. Social media platforms are rife with discussions and debates about Canelo’s career trajectory, with many echoing De La Hoya’s sentiments. The hashtag #BoycottCanelo has even begun to gain traction, illustrating the depth of frustration among a segment of the boxing fanbase.

The implications of this boycott, if it gains momentum, could be significant. Canelo is one of the sport’s biggest draws, with a massive fanbase and substantial pay-per-view numbers. A decrease in fan support could impact his marketability and the financial success of his fights. Moreover, it could push him towards taking on the high-stakes bouts that fans are clamoring for.

De La Hoya believes that the solution is simple: “Fight the best. That’s what fans want. That’s what will keep them engaged and excited about Canelo’s career.”

As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the pressure is mounting on Canelo to make choices that resonate with the passionate boxing community. Whether he heeds the call and steps into the ring with the opponents that fans are demanding remains to be seen. For now, the world of boxing watches and waits, with Oscar De La Hoya’s words echoing through the arenas and online forums: “Fans want the best to fight the best. It’s time for Canelo to deliver.”