When it comes to boxing, the glory days consisted of heavyweight fighters going to war. Whether it was Joe Frazier‘s methodical style, Muhammad Ali’s rope-a-dope, and swift movements, or George Foreman’s intimidating style, old-school fans love these titans going at each other.
However, one boxer set the standard for boxing in the lighter tiers. His name is Oscar De La Hoya and his flashy style and finesse made him one-of-a-kind. In fact, the former world champion has a statue outside of Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Imagine being so good that you have a statue with the likes of Wayne Gretzky and Shaquille O’Neal.
But let’s dive further into Oscar De La Hoya’s career. What made the boxer unique? What were some memorable matches that skyrocketed his career to new heights?
Oscar De La Hoya’s Accomplishments and Strengths
Oscar De La Hoya was a well-versed talent, winning 11 titles in six different weight classes. He also won an Olympic gold medal at the 1992 Summer Olympic Games, earning him the distinction of “Golden Boy”.
Before his professional career, De La Hoya won the National Junio Olympic-119 lb. title at the ripe ol’ age of 15. His amateur record consisted of 234 wins (163 KOs) and six losses. That comes out to a winning percentage of .975, marking an impressive run in his youth.
That carried over to his professional career, where he posted a record of 39-6 (30 KOs). “Golden Boy” was best known for his adaptability, beating competition from different weight classes. Whether it was in the featherweight division or the welterweight, there wasn’t a fight he couldn’t take.
Oscar De La Hoya’s Rivals
One of his main rivals from his earlier days was Julio Cesar Chavez. The two helped expand boxing’s presence in the Hispanic community, with their rivalry setting the bar.
Oscar De La Hoya won the first bout on June 7, 1996, at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. He put Chavez down with a TKO in the fourth round, winning the WBC super lightweight title. The second fight happened on September 18, 1998, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. It saw Chavez retire in the eighth round, with De La Hoya retaining the WBC welterweight title.
But perhaps the biggest challenge for the “Golden Boy” was Shane Mosley. The native of Lynwood, California, won both bouts against De La Hoya, with the first coming via unanimous decision on June 17, 2000, at the Staples Center. As a result, “Golden Boy” lost both the WBC and IBA welterweight titles.
The second was a split decision, with the fight happening on September 13, 2003, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. With De La Hoya losing, he lost the WBA (unified), WBC, IBA, and The Ring middleweight titles.
De La Hoya’s Impact
Oscar De La Hoya grew the presence of boxing in the Hispanic community, mainly within the Mexican community. As a fighter of Mexican heritage, he became one of the most decorated fighters in history, inspiring numerous boxers to fight.
De La Hoya also started Golden Boy Promotions, a boxing promotion focused on urban development in Latino communities. Based in Los Angeles, the organization promoted fights such as De La Hoya vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr. and signed stars like Canelo Alvarez. That was despite Alvarez having a falling-out with the promotion and De La Hoya.
If it wasn’t for De La Hoya, boxing wouldn’t have expanded to other communities globally. That includes the Latino community, where the sport is widely celebrated. Sometimes, it takes a “Golden Boy” to make an impact.
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