Conor McGregor wants Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Oscar De La Hoya to settle their differences in the ring.
The two boxing icons became involved in a heated confrontation late on Wednesday ahead of Canelo’s fight this weekend in Las Vegas against his unbeaten Mexican compatriot Jaime Manguia after De La Hoya — who previously acted as Canelo’s promoter — took umbrage to some comments issued by Canelo in the buildup.
And if their relationship sours further, newly-minted Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship co-owner McGregor invited the pair to settle their differences in the BKFC ring.
“I’d love these two go at it Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. Take off the gloves and fight, bitch!” McGregor wrote on the social media network formerly known as Twitter.
I’d love these two go at it Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. Take off the gloves and fight, bitch! 👊 @bareknucklefc https://t.co/EPX3lQVcrK
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) May 2, 2024
“I would be remiss if I didn’t respond to the man I used to promote,” De La Hoya stated in the chaotic press event. “He seems to have trouble remembering who helped him become a true global star. To be clear, I have nothing but respect for Canelo Alvarez as a fighter. His record and abilities speak for themselves, but he has spent much of the last two months insulting me, rather than promoting this fight.
“So I’ll make it a little bit easier for him: Yes, I have faced a lot of challenges in my life. Yes, I’ve been to rehab several times. Yes, there were some really low points in my life, and yes, there were times that work was not my priority based on my mental health, which I had neglected for so long. But that doesn’t change the fact that Golden Boy built Canelo Alvarez, period. The company you fought under for decades has always had one name, and it’s mine. So put some f*cking respect on it.”
Canelo later stated at the presser (in English): “He tried to steal money, and he’s a f*cking asshole,” Alvarez said. “That’s what I said. He’s a f*cking asshole. He tried to [bring] attention to him, not for Munguia. He’s a f*cking asshole. He steals from his fighter. That what he [does].”
Canelo parted ways with De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions in late 2020, several months after alleging a breach of contract by his then-promoter.
