Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, the four-division world champion, has confidently declared that, had they been in their primes together, Oscar De La Hoya would have been “EASY WORK” for him. Upholding the spirit of confidence and aggression inherent in the sport, Canelo, in a recent interview, expressed a wish that he had the opportunity to fight the legendary De La Hoya during his prime.
At 30 years old, Canelo is considered one of the greatest active boxers, holding the status of a unified super middleweight world champion. Conversely, De La Hoya, now 48, was himself a six-division world champion and one of the most popular boxers in the history of the sport; a man who still holds the moniker of “The Golden Boy.”
“I would’ve loved to have faced him,” said Canelo in regard to De La Hoya. “It would’ve been easy work”. De La Hoya, a 1992 Olympic gold medalist and a champion in multiple weight classes, is an inductee into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. His fame and standing in the domain of boxing are undeniable, making Canelo’s statements, bold and brash, captivating for both fans and critics.
While De La Hoya and Canelo have never formally shared the ring as competitors, their relationship is complex, filled with shared triumphs, perceived betrayals, and a slew of harsh exchanges. De La Hoya, as Canelo’s promoter for almost a decade through Golden Boy Promotions, played a significant role in shaping Canelo’s early and formative career until their highly-publicised split in 2020.
Even though there is no potential of a real bout between Canelo and De La Hoya, the conjecture of how a clash might have unfolded in their ascendancies is an exciting debate for boxing enthusiasts. Would De La Hoya’s technical finesse have bettered Canelo’s balance of aggression and tactical prowess? Or would Canelo’s explosive power have overwhelmed the Golden Boy’s resilience and strategic superiority?
A prime De La Hoya was a formidable fighter who showed exceptional technical skill and strategy, while Canelo mixes devastating power punches with a methodical, almost mathematical approach to the ring. Canelo, in his prime, is arguably one of the most complete boxers the sport has seen, combining punching power, speed, defensive abilities, and an uncanny ability to adapt mid-fight.
In the end, while Canelo’s claim that De La Hoya would have been “easy work” is enticing speculation, it is essentially just that: speculation. It speaks more to the unflinching confidence, perhaps even bravado, that elite boxers need in order to thrive in the high-stakes, punishing world of professional boxing.
However, the distinct styles and captivating personalities of both fighters in their prime would have surely given fans a fight for the ages. However, with their shared history outside the ring, any hypothetical clash between the two would be inevitably imbued with a layer of personal rivalry and heightened drama.
As we enjoy Canelo’s prolific career and reflect on De La Hoya’s past deeds, their hypothetical prime bout will remain one of boxing’s captivating “what ifs”. Regardless of claims, speculations, and bravado, the discourse reminds us of the ever-evolving drama and thrill associated with professional boxing. Indeed, boxing is not just about the fights within the ring; it reflects narratives helmed by fighters, was, is and will continue to be a captivating spectacle for sports enthusiasts across the globe.
