The Cold War is Cold as Ever

So the word on the street is that the Golden Boy himself, Oscar De La Hoya, has been in communication with Top Rank CEO Bob Arum.  There has even been reports of a discussed mega-fight between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Manny Pacquiao. 

courtesy of opposingviews.com

While all these reports are great for twitter conversation, the truth is that until there’s a formal agreement between the two powers in boxing, we need not hold our breath.  At the same time, it is a step in the right direction.

According to Richard Shaefer, current CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, he has “no interest in that”.  It’s apparent that there is a civil war within the cold war.  Shaefer states that it’s not about the money… it’s about relationships.

“Maybe in his mind it’s OK because it’s about money to be made.  But not everything is about money.  It’s about relationships.  And I value relationships more than I value money.” – Shaefer via L.A. Times

Once again, the fight fan suffers the biggest blow in this internal war. 

The thought of Golden Boy-Top Rank match-ups is mouth-watering, but the truth is we are far from resolution.  At best, I see a possible split between Oscar and Richard with Richard teaming up with boxing’s new tyrant… Al Haymon.  If that happens, the cold war will not cease...

Al Haymon has built up a deep stable of fighters and he could easily form his own promotional company.  If Richard Shaefer decides to leave Golden Boy to team up with Haymon… it would turn the cold war into the Mongol Conquest.

Golden Boy does not have the depth to survive an Al Haymon movement and would most certainly end any possibility of a peace offering.  Canelo is pretty much the last Golden Boy fighter that has not succumb to the Haymon heist…

Oscar De La Hoya is the key.  Bob Arum is who he is and don’t think for a second that he will compromise himself for the betterment of the sport.  Oscar is the mediator in this battle of egos. 

It’s become quite obvious to me that Richard Shaefer is content with his business and is looking forward to a profitable future.  Al Haymon will continue to overtake fighter’s careers like Alexander the Great overtook empires.  Amir Khan is his latest while Mikey Garcia and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. may be next. 

The cold war will continue… and it’s a sad feat.  We as fans can only fantasize about what a post-cold war world would look like.  Fans can only dream about a Danny Garcia-Manny Pacquiao match-up… The thought of an Adrien Broner-Mike Alvarado showdown is merely one of a stubborn imagination. 

How about future superstar Felix Verdejo? Who will he fight to build his legacy in a few years?  A 38 year old Manny Pacquiao? A 43-year old Juan Manuel Marquez? The ramifications of the cold war will continue to press on. 

When I heard the Oscar De La Hoya was in talks with Bob Arum, all the thoughts and possibilities ran though my head and as a fan, I got excited.  After the emotion ran its course, logic kicked in and I realized that an end to the cold war is not within reach at the moment. 

It’s a sad reality, but one we all have to live with.