In a recent verbal exchange laden with humor, Eddie Hearn jested about obtaining a restraining order against fellow promoter Oscar De La Hoya. This comment unfolded on April 28th, 2024, as tensions mounted due to their competing promotional efforts and remarks geared towards each other in public forums. The jest came after De La Hoya's recurring critical comments on Hearn's operations in the United States.
Oscar De La Hoya initially provoked this banter by questioning Devin Haney's decisions and critiquing Hearn’s effectiveness in fostering significant fights in the US. Haney has shown interest in a rematch after his previous defeat by Ryan Garcia, who is under De La Hoya’s promotion. In response to these comments, Eddie Hearn fired back with a sharp remark during an interview: "Genuinely are you ok? You stalk me like a crazed fan. You had a great win on Saturday yet I consume your mind 24/7."
Despite tensions run high on social media platforms and press conferences, interactions between the two promoters have varied greatly depending on the setting. At a face-to-face round table event, De La Hoya displayed cordiality and expressed an interest in collaborating with Hearn. Yet simultaneously in private or less formal settings like social media, his tone often became critical. Addressing these contradictions, Eddie shared his mixed reactions about their interactions: "It’s weird Oscar because he’s right up my arse in public... It’s flattering really because if he didn’t think I was a threat why would he even talk about me?"
Eddie humorously mentioned restraining orders while referencing Eminem's song 'Stan': "I don’t know how restraining orders work in the US but you have to start getting concerned. I was listening to the Eminem song ‘Stan’ driving up here and I started thinking I hope I haven’t got a letter when I get to the office on Monday from Stan aka my friend Oscar."
Both promoters represent fighters who will square off at an upcoming boxing event scheduled for June 1st. The Matchroom vs Queensberry 5 v 5 card might present an opportunity for resolution—or escalation—of this riveting rivalry.
