Bruce Binkow, Golden Boy’s Chief Marketing Officer, took Merchant’s comments in stride.

"It’s ridiculous [to say] that there was a $5 million dollar fee paid [for de La Hoya’s attendance]," said Binkow. "There’s a financial commitment obviously that Affliction made, and Oscar felt an obligation through his partners at Affliction [to attend]. I don’t know how more simple it can be and why it’s any more complicated than that."

And while Merchant might be questioning de La Hoya’s lack of allegiance to the sport that made him a star, Binkow said the former champion’s decision to grace "Day of Reckoning" was strictly business.

"The [Affliction] pay-per-view date was set long before the boxing event, and Oscar didn’t feel right about offending his commitment to our partners in Affliction," said Binkow. "I think it was a great night for both sports. There was packed houses at the Staples Center and the Honda Center, so we were thrilled with both events."