Oscar De la Hoya and Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez used to be a great team in boxing. Now, they can't stand each other.
The two boxing stars had a close relationship for years. Golden Boy Promotions, De la Hoya's company, signed Alvarez when he was just 18. They helped him become a champion and win multiple titles.
But things went south. De la Hoya says Alvarez turned his back on him. He told reporters:
"Since Canelo was able to fight in the United States at 18 years old, we signed him, promoted him and forged his career. There comes a point when fighters become ungrateful. It's very sad. You do everything for them and then they slap you in the face."
De la Hoya even thinks Alvarez might be jealous of him. He said:
"There were no problems, that's why I don't understand it. It could be jealousy, because I remember that every time I walked into a room where he was, all the attention was on me. Yes, I had love, so it's like there was some kind of jealousy. It was the only thing I could think of."
The former champ admits he had his own issues. He went to rehab and struggled with some personal problems. De la Hoya tried to make things right with Alvarez during that time:
"I didn't do anything. Please tell me what I did so I don't make the same mistake. I was going through a difficult time. It's no secret. Rehab, this and that. I actually called Canelo while I was in rehab. I said, 'I'm sorry, I'm here. I can't go.' He replied, 'I understand. Let's win,' and that's it."
Now, De la Hoya and Alvarez can't even mention each other without throwing insults. De la Hoya thinks there's no way to fix things with Alvarez.
This messy situation shows how complicated relationships can get in boxing. Promoters and fighters often have ups and downs. Even though fans would love to see them make up, it doesn't look like that will happen anytime soon.
Both men are still big names in boxing. De la Hoya runs Golden Boy Promotions and stays in the public eye. Alvarez keeps fighting and winning titles. But their once-strong partnership is now just a memory.
