{
  "id": 12301202,
  "title": "Oscar De La Hoya: ‘Boxing is a Mess, Worse Than Ever”",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/oscar-de-la-hoya-boxing-is-a-mess-worse-than-ever",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-06T04:35:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/oscar-la-hoya-boxing-mess-043530504.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In an extensive interview on October 5, Hall of Fame boxer and promoter Oscar De La Hoya shared his critical views on the current state of boxing. De La Hoya lamented that the sport is in the worst condition it has ever been, with top athletes sitting idle, awaiting significant paydays before stepping into the ring. He pointed out that many of these fighters are refusing to fight, potentially leading to a decline in the quality of competition and the overall health of the sport.\n\nDe La Hoya specifically criticized the influence of Saudi Arabian investments, which he believes have distorted the sport's trajectory. He argues that these massive paydays are causing top talent to become idle, waiting for big money rather than actively pursuing fights and becoming world champions. He likened this situation to the failed LIV Golf venture, where guaranteed contracts led to subpar competition and ultimately the fund's withdrawal.\n\nThe Golden Boy Promotions head also addressed the rumored sale of Ring Magazine, expressing deep concern about its deteriorating reputation and credibility. De La Hoya stated that he hopes a new owner can restore the magazine's original purpose, as the current direction appears to be worthless and biased. The loss of Ring Magazine's influence and the questionable decisions made by its managing editor have further tarnished the sport's image, De La Hoya lamented.",
  "summary": "Oscar De La Hoya didn't hold back on the state of boxing in 2026 as he sees it in a lengthy interview Monday.",
  "key_points": [
    "Boxing in worst condition ever, says Oscar De La Hoya",
    "Saudi investments distort sport, cause fighter idleness",
    "Concern over Ring Magazine's sale and reputation"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Oscar De La Hoya's criticism of boxing's current state reveals a sport in crisis, with idle top athletes and distorted priorities driven by lucrative paydays, threatening its overall health and quality of competition.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}