Promoter Oscar De La Hoya expressed high praise for Oscar Duarte at the weigh-in for Duarte’s upcoming catchweight fight against Ryan Garcia. De La Hoya believes Duarte, with his power and talent, could significantly impact his career by defeating Garcia. This matchup, he implies, is not just another fight but a potential turning point for Duarte, possibly leading to higher-profile bouts at either 135 or 140 pounds.
De La Hoya’s enthusiasm for Duarte was notable, especially compared to Garcia’s apparent discontent at the event. This contrast suggests that Duarte might be seen as a rising star, potentially overshadowing Garcia, who seemed less than thrilled to be there. Duarte’s motivation and determination are highlighted as key factors in this bout, which De La Hoya views as his opportunity for greater success.
Addressing the unusual matchmaking choice, De La Hoya acknowledged breaking tradition by pitting Garcia against a powerful opponent like Duarte after Garcia’s recent knockout loss. This decision was made with quality and compelling matchups in mind, necessary to draw in viewers and subscribers in today’s boxing landscape. De La Hoya suggests that this approach will test Garcia’s readiness for world title contention and validate or refute his status as a top-level fighter.
De La Hoya drew comparisons between Duarte and Canelo Alvarez, noting Duarte’s dedication, skills, and hard work. This comparison adds to the hype surrounding Duarte, portraying him as a fighter with significant potential and knockout power. De La Hoya’s comments reflect a strategic shift in boxing promotion, where challenging, quality matches are increasingly prioritized to meet audience expectations and maintain the sport's appeal on platforms like DAZN.
The promoter’s involvement in the matchmaking process was also discussed. De La Hoya detailed how they considered various options, including Teofimo Lopez and an unnamed world champion at 140 pounds, before settling on Duarte. This decision-making process underscores the balance between providing challenging matches and managing fighters’ careers.
Image Credit: Golden Boy Promotions