Oscar De La Hoya has dismissed Turki Alalshikh’s first American boxing card ahead of Riyadh Season’s debut in Los Angeles.
Despite promoter Eddie Hearn’s outlandish claims that the bill topped by Terence Crawford and Israil Madrimov is the best in U.S. history, De La Hoya believes there’s only one fight on the entire event worth getting excited about.
Hearn said, “For me, this is the greatest boxing card in American history. The movement [led by Alalshikh] is real and unbelievable.
“We all have heard of the Four Seasons, but now there’s another season, Riyadh Season. Riyadh Season is now represented worldwide, and quality from the teams is thanks to this amazing moment in boxing with all these great promoters coming together.
“On Saturday night, we have the greatest fight card we have ever seen. BMO Stadium will be a spectacle for fighting and sports fans worldwide and an incredible night of boxing.”
Responses to Hearn’s insistence about the card include disrespect to the old guard, who put on spectacular shows during the 1970s and especially the 1980s. Nonetheless, Hearn is the promoter and does his job the only way he knows.
For years, Hearn has labeled most fights involving Anthony Joshua as the best heavyweight fight in the world, so nothing is new there.
De La Hoya disagrees with his counterpart Hearn despite meeting with Alalshikh, being all smiles, and previously signing a partnership deal. Taking to social media ahead of traveling to California, the Golden Boy Chairman stated, “L.A. [bound] The only fight I’m excited to watch live is Andy Ruiz Jr. See you [on the] night.”
Considering De La Hoya originally had one of his star fighters on the bill – Vergil Ortiz, it’s a bold statement from the former world champion. The pleasantries they enjoyed on a social media video also don’t add up to comments made by Oscar De La Hoya away from the cameras.
The promoter initially warned Alalshikh not to enter his territory. However, before a full-scale breach, De La Hoya plans to sit ringside to watch before working alongside His Excellency.
Crawford vs. Madrimov is the PPV headliner, supported by Ruiz vs. Jarrell Miller, Isaac Cruz, and Jared Anderson, most of which De La Hoya has no interest in – apparently.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
