The boxing world has generated a lot of bright people whose popularity has gone far beyond the limits of this tough sport. One of these stars is Oscar De La Hoya, a boxer who has taken on a record number of titles. Looking at his well-groomed face, adorning another glossy magazine with his happy smile, it is hard to believe that this outstanding man was once an ordinary Los Angeles slum boy. The story of Oscar De La Hoya clearly shows how fortitude helps to overcome any difficulties and fulfill your dream.
Boxer childhood
The future athlete was born in 1973 in California (USA). The love of boxing was handed down in the Oscar family from generation to generation. His grandfather was a boxer, like his father. However, neither one nor the other was able to achieve any impressive results in sports. Since childhood, Oscar has shown remarkable interest in the arts, especially in singing. He also loved to skateboard and play baseball. Violence never attracted the future champion, the slums could not leave their severe mark on it.
At age 6, Oscar De La Hoya was brought to his first boxing gym, where he was immediately sparred with another young athlete. Training was able to reveal the natural talent of the guy, so by the beginning of his amateur career it became clear that he would be a good judge. Oscar's father did everything possible for his favorite, looking for him first-class trainers.
First victories
Oscar's amateur career was incredibly successful, but took too much time and effort. Therefore, the young boxer had to use the services of a tutor to keep up with his peers. But his fighting skills grew steadily - Oscar constantly traveled around the country, winning one victory after another. The most faithful admirer of the talented boxer was his mother, who encouraged him and often attended his son’s battles. However, all this time she fought her own battle with cancer, which slowly but surely prevailed over a fragile woman.
The death of his mother literally destroyed the future champion, but over time, he resumed playing his favorite sport. The success of Oscar De La Hoya led him to the 1992 Olympics, where he won the gold medal. This was the only gold of the American team whose performance that year was unusually weak. It was then that Oscar received his nickname - "Golden Boy", which will accompany him throughout his career.
Professional career
The victory at the Olympics opened the doors to young professional boxing. Oscar De La Hoya immediately took advantage of this opportunity, starting his career with a victory over Lamar Williams. His Golden Boy knocked out in the first round, as did many subsequent rivals. The first serious test for Oscar was a fight with John Molina, which lasted all 12 rounds. This was the first fight in which De La Hoya could not knock out an opponent, leaving the judges to decide the outcome of the match.
This is followed by a series of high-profile victories and the first titles, including the IBF champion belt, obtained after the battle with Rafael Ruelas. Victories rained down on the Golden Boy one after another, every boxing fan knew who Oscar De La Hoya was. The best fights of this explosive fighter ended with beautiful knockouts, which became the decoration of this harsh sport. Of course, not everything went smoothly in the career of a talented Hispanic. However, the controversial defeat of Felix Trinidad did not at all moderate the ardor of Oscar De La Hoya - he continued his fast-paced career. After several early victories, an unfortunate defeat followed by Shane Mosley, who during the entire match was superior to Oscar.
End of career
The last defeat unsettled the Golden Boy; he took a short break. At this time, the boxer began to sing and even released his own music album, which gained popularity among fans of popular music. Oscar is engaged in charity and social activities, is nominated for the "Person of the Year" award. However, the break was not long, only after 10 months the athlete returns to the ring. He is waiting for battles with the strongest boxers of the planet, as well as a rematch with Shane Mosley, in which the Golden Boy was defeated again. He also fought with a boxing star such as Floyd Mayweather, and an Oscar De La Hoya vs. Kostya Ju fight was scheduled.
The fame of the Golden Boy went far beyond the boxing ring. He was remembered not only as an athlete, but also as a talented promoter and public figure. 2009 was the last year in the career of a star named Oscar De La Hoya. The best fights of this master of leather gloves will forever remain in the memory of boxing fans. This extraordinary man proved by his example that hard work can destroy any walls, make a poor boy from slums a world-class star.