Affectionately known as ‘The Golden Boy’ Oscar De La Hoya net worth reflects the fact that his name runs far beyond the ring.
The sport’s most charismatic figure and infamous for his impeccable skills, De La Hoya is certainly one of, if not the most iconic figure in the sport.
His legacy stretches over decades, making him a cultural icon within the Mexican-American community and a beacon of success in and out of the ring evident in Oscar de La Hoya net worth.
In this detailed article by Sports Buddy, we delve into Oscar De La Hoya net worth, his background, his boxing career, achievements and personal life.
Oscar De La Hoya Background: Education, Early Life and Birth
Oscar De La Hoya was born on February 4, 1973, in East Los Angeles, California, where he grew up as the son of a working class Mexico American. Joel Sr. and Cecilia immigrated from Mexico in hopes of a better life with their children. A key tenet of the up bringing of Oscar was the work ethic promulgated by his De La Hoya family.
Boxing was something the family was enthusiastic about and Oscar was thrust into it early, enjoying early success. His grandfather, Vicente, as well as his father, Joel Sr, were both amateur boxers.
His family encouraged him to start taking up the sport at the age of six. Under his father’s watch he started his training diligently at a very young age, with the scope and talent to impress.
Garfield High School in East Los Angeles was home ground for Oscar who attended it, with a heavy academic load but periodic excursions to the gymnasium.
By his teenage years, he already made a name for himself in amateur boxing, and nailed down a national recognition to pave the way to an illustrious career.
Oscar De La Hoya Career and Achievements
Oscar De La Hoya’s amateur career was superb. His record read out to be an impressive 223 wins and 5 losses.
But his greatest moment came at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics where he won gold in the lightweight division, paying a due to his late mother, Elma, who had dreamed of a gold medal with her son.
It was his victory and he became known as the ‘Golden Boy’ — a name that would follow him into his career.
Even later in 1992 De La Hoya turned professional and his rise to greatness was meteoric. He won his debut bout when Lamar Williams landed a first round knockout, from there on his career blended electrifying performances.
De La Hoya, whose 11 world titles in six weight classes mirrored his versatility and skill drove the sport for 17 years.
In three of the four of those divisions he became lineal champion and is now widely considered to be one of the greatest boxers of all time.
Some of his most memorable bouts include:
Julio César Chávez: At the time, De La Hoya’s victories over the legendary Mexican fighter in 1996 and 1998 made him a global superstar.
Félix Trinidad: The 1999 bout in which they fought to a draw, billed ‘The Fight of the Millennium,’ became one of the most anticipated fights in boxing history.
The match was controversial, but represented De La Hoya’s talent for attracting huge audiences.
Manny Pacquiao: His career, however, was short, in fact ending in 2008 in a fight against Pacquiao, and announcing his retirement in 2009.
Leaving with a huge record of 39 wins (30 by knock out) and 6 losses, De La Hoya retired with a legendary mark on the sport.
Oscar De La Hoya Net Worth
As at 2024, Oscar De La Hoya net worth is reputed to be around $200 million making him one of the wealthiest men in the game.
Success in the boxing ring is only the small portion of Oscar De La Hoya net worth. Other than boxing earnings, he is credited for being very smart about his business ventures.
De La Hoya started his own boxing and mixed martial arts promotion company, Golden Boy Promotions, in 2002. The company being the first owned by a former boxer, it has since gone on to be one of most influential bodies in sport contributing to Oscar De La Hoya net worth.
Known for managing some of boxing’s biggest names, Canelo Álvarez chief among them, De La Hoya has cemented his place in the Olympics among pioneers of sports business.
De La Hoya’s entrepreneurial spirit has permeated to many other projects. He’s invested in real estate, he’s released a Grammy-nominated Latin pop album and he’s endorsed brands.
These businesses are diversifying sources of his income and making him look very much the successful businessman who he is consequently boosting Oscar De La Hoya net worth.
Oscar De La Hoya Personal Life and Relationships.
Oscar De La Hoya has led as much of an eventful life outside of the ring as he has inside. He married Puerto Rican singer Millie Corretjer in 2001.
De La Hoya has three other children from previous relationships and the couple has two children of their own.
While De La Hoya has been successful, there have been humps in the road as he’s battled addiction. He revealed that he’s been opened about his substance abuse battles and has sought a few cures.
The respect that people have given his candor about these struggles is huge for his resilience and his commitment to personal growth.