Oscar de la Hoya, a boxing icon, put on his headphones to commentate on the undercard of Jake Paul’s bout with Ben Askren in Atlanta, and he turned up the volume. Oscar De La Hoya, known as “The Golden Boy,” is undeniably one of boxing’s most iconic figures.
His combination of charisma, talent, and determination has left an indelible mark on the sport and the world at large. Let’s delve into the legacy of Oscar De La Hoya and understand how he transcended the boxing realm to influence broader spheres.
Known as “The Golden Boy,” Oscar De La Hoya is a name synonymous with boxing excellence. Let’s journey through 20 crucial facts about De La Hoya, understand the challenges he faced, and recognize the legends that inspired him.
Contents
Sports World Reacts to Oscar De La Hoyas Performance
During the fight between former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir and boxing veteran Steve Cunningham, De la Hoya, who is supposedly making a comeback after a 13-year retirement, got overly enthusiastic and slurred his words.
To those in the know, Cunningham is better known by his naval service initials: USS. De la Hoya referred to him as “USSR” several times. In addition, the 11-time world champion was overheard telling Mike Tyson (who wasn’t present) that he loved him and asking, “put my face on television more,” during the breaks between rounds.
De la Hoya’s use of the term “baby” for everyone else was another dead giveaway that he had been drinking. De la Hoya told his fighters in the ring to “just go hard, baby” before the last round. Imagine what it’s like to be a fighter.
Read Also:
- Molly Seidel Drops Out of Boston Marathon
- What Do Gymnasts Spray on The Uneven Bars
- NBA News Disgruntled German Guard May Dread Not Accepting …
Which do you prefer, fighting or giving up? “Come on, honey. This is it, sweetie. Come on, let’s get going. You might as well go out on your shield, darling, because you’re going to get hit anyhow. It was summed up perfectly by one of de la Hoya’s co-commentators: “Oscar’s pumped!”
Jake Paul was Thrilled to Concur with Oscar De La Hoya’s Evaluation of His Pro Boxing Prowess.
In an interview on Tuesday, De La Hoya proclaimed that Paul is “the genuine deal” and has the potential to defeat “a lot of decent champions, and even great champions” in the ring. When asked by Sports about De La Hoya’s comments, Paul told the outlet that he “can beat world champions on the big stage,” which will come as a shock to fans.
“That means a lot coming from [De La Hoya], but he’s right and I’ve been saying it from the beginning. I know I seem arrogant when I say, “He’s correct!” but it’s the truth. At the gym and in sparring, I’ve defeated world champions “Paul declared.
It’s true that Paul has beaten former world champions in other sports, but this should be taken with a grain of salt. After winning the UFC welterweight title in 2020, Tyron Woodley decided to switch to boxing in 2021 and face Paul.
After losing the first fight by a split decision, the controversial YouTube personality knocked him out in the second. Paul’s boxing record before to fighting Woodley included victories over fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib, retired NBA player Nate Robinson, and retired MMA fighter (Ben Askren).
Askren won the welterweight titles in both the Bellator and ONE promotions. Paul is presently without a fight booked, however he hopes to fight Saul “Canelo” Alvarez by 2024.
Oscar De La Hoya’s Global Impact
De La Hoya’s impact is not just confined to his boxing prowess. Beyond the ring, he established Golden Boy Promotions, one of the most successful boxing promotion companies, bringing world-class bouts to fans and providing opportunities for upcoming fighters.
Furthermore, his foundation, the Oscar De La Hoya Foundation, has supported numerous charitable causes, notably in the areas of education and healthcare.
Making a Difference: Beyond Boxing
Oscar’s charitable endeavors have made a significant difference, especially in his hometown of East Los Angeles. His foundation’s initiatives, such as funding after-school programs, have benefitted countless children and families.
His commitment to giving back illustrates that his fights weren’t just in the ring; they were also against societal issues.
Meeting Shanna Moakler
Oscar De La Hoya’s personal life has often been in the limelight. He and former Miss USA, Shanna Moakler, had a high-profile relationship in the late 1990s. While their relationship had its ups and downs, they share a daughter, solidifying an eternal bond.
De La Hoya’s Boxing Acumen
De La Hoya’s boxing resume speaks for itself. With ten world titles in six different weight classes, his versatility and skill set him apart from many of his contemporaries. His technique, speed, and power made him a formidable opponent, earning respect from fans and opponents alike.
The First Defeat
Every champion faces hurdles. For De La Hoya, his first professional loss came at the hands of Félix Trinidad in 1999. It was a close and controversial bout, with many believing De La Hoya had done enough to win. However, this defeat, like others, only showcased his resilience and ability to come back stronger.
One of the Best Boxers of All Time?
There’s no straightforward answer to this, as “the best” is subjective and varies from person to person. However, looking at Oscar De La Hoya’s achievements, the numerous championships, and his influence on the sport, he’s undeniably in the conversation.
His bouts against legendary fighters like Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, and Julio César Chávez have solidified his place in boxing history.
20 Important Facts About Oscar De La Hoya
- Early Life: Born on February 4, 1973, in East Los Angeles, Oscar’s Mexican heritage played a crucial role in his boxing career.
- Golden Gloves: Oscar began boxing at age six and won the national Junior Olympic 119-pound title at 15.
- Olympic Gold: At 19, De La Hoya won the gold medal in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, leading to his nickname, “The Golden Boy.”
- Professional Debut: Oscar made his professional boxing debut in 1992, securing a win.
- Multiple Titles: He’s won ten world titles across six different weight classes.
- Promotion Company: Oscar founded “Golden Boy Promotions,” influencing the boxing world both in and out of the ring.
- Retirement: Oscar officially announced his retirement in April 2009.
- Charitable Endeavors: The Oscar De La Hoya Foundation supports a range of community services, including education and healthcare.
- Music Career: Apart from boxing, De La Hoya also released a Latin pop album in 2000.
- Hall of Famer: In 2014, Oscar was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
- Autobiography: His autobiography, “American Son,” delves into his life, struggles, and successes.
- Business Ventures: Beyond boxing, Oscar has been involved in various business endeavors, including a stake in Houston Dynamo, an MLS soccer team.
- Recovery: Oscar has been vocal about his struggles with substance abuse and underwent rehab treatment.
- Family: De La Hoya has five children and has been involved in high-profile relationships, including with actress Shanna Moakler.
- Major Opponents: Oscar faced boxing stalwarts like Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, and Julio César Chávez.
- Famous Feud: His rivalry with Félix Trinidad culminated in a mega-fight in 1999.
- Media Presence: Oscar has been a commentator and analyst for numerous boxing matches.
- Net Worth: His career inside and outside the ring has amassed him a significant net worth, making him one of the richest boxers.
- Philanthropy: The Cecilia Gonzalez De La Hoya Cancer Center, named in memory of his mother, stands as a testament to his commitment to community service.
- Entrepreneurship: Oscar’s business acumen extends to real estate, with investments in commercial and residential properties.
Challenges Faced by Oscar De La Hoya
Oscar’s journey wasn’t devoid of hurdles. From growing up in a drug-infested neighborhood to facing personal demons like addiction, De La Hoya’s life has had its share of lows. Additionally, the pressure of maintaining a pristine image while battling internal conflicts posed significant challenges.
De La Hoya’s Defeats
While Oscar had an illustrious boxing career, he faced defeats against legends like:
- Félix Trinidad (1999)
- Shane Mosley (2000 & 2003)
- Bernard Hopkins (2004)
- Floyd Mayweather Jr. (2007)
- Manny Pacquiao (2008)
Inspirations for Oscar De La Hoya
Oscar drew inspiration from various sources. His family, especially his mother, played an influential role in his life. Boxing legends like Sugar Ray Leonard and Muhammad Ali also inspired De La Hoya with their in-ring prowess and charisma.
Read Also:
Conclusion
Oscar De La Hoya’s legacy is multifaceted. From his exemplary skills in the boxing ring to his philanthropic endeavors, he has proven to be a champion in every sense. His journey serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that with talent, determination, and a heart to serve, one can truly make a mark on the world.
Oscar De La Hoya’s life and career serve as a testament to resilience, hard work, and passion. From the streets of East Los Angeles to the glitzy boxing arenas worldwide, De La Hoya’s journey is a source of inspiration for many, showcasing the spirit of a true champion.
