Oscar de la Hoya: the champion who faces his most personal battle
Óscar de la Hoya, the legendary “Golden Boy” of boxing, is remembered not only for his six world titles in different categories, but also because of his unwavering determination and charism that led him to become an icon of sport and a media star.
However, at 52, Oscar’s image in a hospital bed has shocked the entire world, marking a dramatic turn in the life of who was once considered an invincible champion. What led him to this point and how does he fight now, outside the quadrilateral but with the same passion that characterized him in the ring?
The first blows: the strength of the family
Oscar de la Hoya was born on February 4, 1973 in eastern Los Angeles, within a Mexican-American family. Since childhood, boxing was part of its DNA. His father, professional boxer, and his grandfather, also involved in sport, were the first to instill the discipline and sacrifice that would characterize his life. But the figure that deeply marked Oscar was his mother, Cecilia, who was the emotional pillar who held his dream of being a champion.
The tragedy hit her family when, being a teenager, her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. In 1990, Cecilia died, leaving a vacuum that Oscar could never fill out. However, this loss became the motivation behind its greatest achievement. In 1992, with only 19 years, Oscar won the gold medal at the Barcelona Olympic Games, dedicating the victory to his mother. That moment not only catapulted him to fame, but consolidated him as the “Golden Chico”, a symbol of perseverance and family love.
The unstoppable rise: an icon of boxing
Óscar debuted as a professional in November 1992 and soon demonstrated that his Olympic success was no accident. With an unstoppable streak of victories, he consecrated himself as one of the most promising boxers of the time. In just four years, he had conquered titles in several divisions: Light, Super League and Welter. His talent, combined with his tactical intelligence and an impeccable presence outside the ring, made him a star not only for boxing fans, but also for marketing and popular culture.
During his career, he faced and defeated legends such as Julio César Chávez and Pernel Wiker, establishing his place as one of the best boxers of his generation. His ability to adapt to each rival and category, along with his ability to connect with the public, allowed him to overcome barriers and become a media phenomenon. Throughout his career, he was more than a boxer; It was a cultural symbol, a family face for both Latinos and Americans.
The price of fame: the burden of perfection
But fame and success are not priceless. Over time, Oscar began to feel the weight of the expectations that fell on him. Not only was he expected to be a champion inside the ring, but also a perfect figure outside him. The pressure of maintaining his impeccable image began to take its toll. While his public life shone, Oscar’s private life was filled with internal storms. The constant struggle to sustain an impeccable image began to erode his emotional well -being, and the loneliness he experienced outside the quadrilateral began to be more visible.
The internal battle: addictions and loneliness
As its popularity grew, so did emotional wear. Alcohol, which for years was a well -kept secret, began to be its escape. Although in front of the public he maintained an impeccable smile, internally, he fought sadly and with an identity that he no longer felt his own. The pressure to stay as the “Golden Boy” began to become his most fierce enemy, hitting him from the inside.
Amid their success, personal problems began to come to light. The prolonged absences, emotional outbreaks and erratic decisions became evident to those who were close to it. In 2007, when he decided to face Floyd Mayweather Jr., the fight was not only against a rival in the ring. It was a reflection of a man trying to hold in an era that could no longer control. The defeat against Mayweather, followed by a shameful fall against Manny Pacquiao in 2008, marked the beginning of the end of his professional career.
The retirement and long long long long long long long battle for peace
Oscar officially retired from boxing in 2009, but the retirement did not mean peace. The fight to find his place outside the ring was even more difficult. Despite his success as an entrepreneur and promoter, and the foundation of Golden Boy Promotions, he faced his greatest battle: face himself. Depression, alcoholism and stress became a constant, and on several occasions, entered rehabilitation centers to treat their addictions. However, his public face remained that of a successful man, while internally, he was broken.
The last round: the long battle against the body and mind
In 2021, Oscar announced his return to the ring, hoping to star in an exhibition fight. However, a few days before the event, it was hospitalized by COVID-19. His health, which was already deteriorated for years of blows, injuries and addictions, did not resist the onslaught of the virus. Despite medical efforts, his body was not prepared for a return.
In March 2025, the news of his hospitalization in serious condition shook the world of boxing. The details about their state never made public, but rumors about physical and emotional exhaustion that accumulated over the years were imminent. The “Golden Boy”, who once shone in the quadrilaterals, now faced the most difficult struggle of his life: finding peace and acceptance.
A legacy that transcends
Oscar de la Hoya is remembered as one of the greatest boxing history champions. However, his legacy is not only marked by the titles and victories, but by the humanity that he showed outside the ring. Throughout his career, he fought not only against his opponents, but also against his own demons. Today, facing a new battle for his life, his story continues to inspire millions, not only for his success, but for the courage with which he has faced each blow, each fall, and each internal struggle.
