Oscar De La Hoya | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : April 02, 2025

Who is Oscar De La Hoya?

Oscar De La Hoya, known as the "Golden Boy," is one of the most accomplished and recognizable figures in the world of boxing. Born on February 4, 1973, in Montebello, California, De La Hoya showcased extraordinary talent from an early age, winning his first national title at just 15 years old. He achieved widespread acclaim when he captured a gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, becoming the only U.S. boxer to secure a medal at those games. His professional career took off shortly thereafter, culminating in a remarkable track record that includes ten world titles across six different weight classes.

De La Hoya’s impact on the sport extends beyond his achievements in the ring. In 2002, he founded Golden Boy Promotions, which quickly became a major force in boxing, promoting high-profile fights and nurturing new talent. That entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with his dedication to philanthropy, has helped him remain a significant figure in the boxing community even after his retirement in 2009. Despite personal challenges, including battles with addiction and high-profile relationships, De La Hoya continues to be a respected figure, drawing attention with his recent documentary, "The Golden Boy," which explores both his ascent to fame and the complexities of his personal life.

Early Life and Education

Oscar De La Hoya was born on February 4, 1973, in Montebello, Los Angeles, California, to parents who moved from Mexico before his birth. Boxing was deeply ingrained in his family history; his grandfather was an amateur fighter in the 1940s, and his father, Joel De La Hoya, boxed professionally in the 1960s. Oscar was drawn to the sport at a young age, starting to train at just six years old. De La Hoya idolized Olympic gold medalist Sugar Ray Leonard, who had achieved celebrity status after the 1976 Summer Olympics, shaping Oscar's aspirations to follow in similar footsteps.

By the age of 15, De La Hoya had already established himself as a formidable young talent in the ring, winning the national Junior Olympic 119-pound title, followed by the 125-pound title the following year. His boxing prowess continued to flourish; he won the national Golden Gloves title in 1990, becoming the youngest U.S. boxer at that year's Goodwill Games, where he claimed a gold medal. However, this period was marked by profound personal tragedy, as he lost his mother, Cecilia, to cancer shortly after her wish for him to win Olympic gold was made known. This loss profoundly impacted De La Hoya's drive and focus, propelling him to fulfill his mother's dream at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, where he clinched the gold medal for the United States.

International Boxing Star: Career Start at Age 19

Oscar De La Hoya, affectionately known as the "Golden Boy," began his illustrious boxing career at the young age of 19 following his remarkable victory at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. Born on February 4, 1973, in Montebello, California, De La Hoya was destined for greatness in the ring, having been raised in a family steeped in boxing tradition. His early days of training and competitive success fueled his ambition, leading him to win a gold medal for the United States, solidifying his status as a rising star. With a drive to turn his mother's dream into reality, he embarked on a professional career that would see him dominate across six weight classes.

In his first professional fight on November 23, 1992, De La Hoya showcased his extraordinary skills by knocking out Lamar Williams in the first round. This victory propelled him into the boxing spotlight, and within just a few years, he captured multiple world titles, including his first championship at the junior lightweight division in March 1994. His reputation only grew as he faced and defeated some of the toughest opponents in the sport, such as Julio Cesar Chavez, Pernell Whittaker, and Felix Trinidad. De La Hoya’s career was characterized by thrilling bouts and a relentless pursuit of excellence, making him one of the most revered figures in boxing history.

As he trained and fought his way through various weight classes, De La Hoya became recognized not only for his fighting prowess but also for his charisma and marketability. He became a household name and a prominent figure in pay-per-view boxing, generating millions of dollars in revenue for the sport. Throughout his professional journey, De La Hoya remained focused on his legacy and the positive impact he could have on aspiring boxers and the community at large, even after facing personal challenges and setbacks within and outside the ring.

Career Success and Achievements

Oscar De La Hoya, famously known as the "Golden Boy," is a legendary figure in the world of boxing. From his remarkable beginnings, which included winning a gold medal at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona at the young age of 19, De La Hoya established himself as one of the sport's most prominent champions. Throughout his professional career, he captured an impressive ten world titles across six different weight classes, solidifying his status as a pound-for-pound boxing great. His ability to generate significant pay-per-view revenue also marked him as one of the most lucrative boxers in history, helping to revolutionize the business side of the sport.

De La Hoya's in-ring success was complemented by his entrance into boxing promotion, establishing Golden Boy Promotions in 2002. Through this venture, he has promoted numerous high-profile boxing events and nurtured the careers of many up-and-coming fighters. His influence in the sport extends beyond his personal achievements; he has played a crucial role in shaping the careers of others while continuing to elevate the sport's profile on national and international stages. With a legacy that blends fighting prowess and entrepreneurial spirit, De La Hoya remains a pivotal figure in boxing today.

Maturing Boxer and Retirement

Oscar De La Hoya made his notable return to the boxing ring in March 2001, where he showcased his enduring prowess by defeating the formidable Arturo Gatti in a fifth-round knockout. This victory marked a significant moment in his career, serving as a reminder of his abilities amidst the many ups and downs he had faced. Shortly after, on June 23, 2001, he battled Javier Castillejo, the reigning WBC super welterweight champion, and triumphed, capturing his fifth title. This achievement made De La Hoya the youngest boxer to claim five world championships, a record that paralleled that of his idol, Sugar Ray Leonard.

Despite his successes, De La Hoya's journey was not without challenges. He faced a humbling defeat to Bernard Hopkins for the middleweight title in 2004, which compelled him to step back from the sport to regroup. In 2006, he expanded his business portfolio by launching Golden Boy Partners, a real estate venture aimed at urban Latino communities. However, his return to the ring in 2008 resulted in a loss to Manny Pacquiao in a highly publicized match, signaling a new era in boxing. This event ultimately led to De La Hoya's official retirement on April 14, 2009, as he shifted focus toward his promotional career and other endeavors outside the ring.

Personal Life: Married Life and Children

Oscar De La Hoya's personal life has been a whirlwind, characterized by high-profile relationships and moments of both joy and turmoil. He began dating actress and former Miss USA Shanna Moakler in 1997, and although they became engaged, their relationship ended in September 2000 following allegations of infidelity. The couple shares a daughter, Atiana, born in 1999. Their split led to a tumultuous palimony suit, highlighting the challenges that accompanied De La Hoya's rising fame and personal struggles.

In 2001, De La Hoya married singer Millie Corretjer, welcoming three children during their time together: Oscar Gabriel in 2005, followed by Nina in 2007 and Victoria in 2014. While their union appeared to be a stable family life, the couple faced difficulties, and they officially separated in 2016. De La Hoya filed for divorce in 2023, attributing the split to irreconcilable differences. He has expressed regret about his role as a detached parent, acknowledging that their mothers were primarily responsible for raising their children. De La Hoya is also a father to two sons from previous relationships, further complicating his family dynamic.

Net Worth and Earnings: $200 million

Oscar De La Hoya, known as the "Golden Boy," boasts an impressive net worth of approximately $200 million, primarily amassed during and after his illustrious boxing career. This significant wealth stems not only from his success in the ring—where he earned more than $400 million in pay-per-view fights alone—but also from his ventures as a boxing promoter. Following his retirement in 2009, De La Hoya founded Golden Boy Promotions, which has been instrumental in promoting numerous high-profile boxing matches and talented fighters, further solidifying his financial status.

In addition to his boxing and promotional earnings, De La Hoya has diversified his income streams through various investments and business ventures, including real estate projects through his company, Golden Boy Partners. His knack for recognizing lucrative opportunities has allowed him to maintain and grow his wealth beyond his fighting years. De La Hoya's name remains synonymous with boxing excellence, making him one of the most recognized and celebrated figures in the sport, with financial acumen to match his athletic prowess.