Challenges in the Life of Oscar De La Hoya in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Oscar De La Hoya's life and career.

Oscar De La Hoya, an American boxing promoter and former professional boxer (1992-2008), earned the moniker "The Golden Boy of Boxing." Representing the United States, he won a gold medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics in the lightweight division. De La Hoya achieved significant success in his professional career, securing 11 world titles across six weight classes, including lineal championships in three. He's widely considered one of boxing's all-time greats, ranked 16th by BoxRec.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

October 28, 1990: Death of Cecilia Gonzales De La Hoya

On October 28, 1990, Cecilia Gonzales De La Hoya, Oscar De La Hoya's mother, passed away from breast cancer, expressing her hope that her son would become an Olympic gold medalist.

December 9, 1993: Pulled out of fight due to wrist injury

On December 9, 1993, Oscar De La Hoya pulled out of his scheduled fight against Jesús Vidal Concepción due to a wrist injury. Some speculated the injury was overdramatic. The fight was scheduled to be televised by ESPN's "Thursday Night Fights".

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September 18, 1999: Fought Félix Trinidad

On September 18, 1999, De La Hoya fought Félix Trinidad in one of the biggest pay-per-view events in history. Trinidad was awarded a majority decision, which was viewed as controversial.

1999: Wrist Injury Against Oba Carr

In 1999, Oscar De La Hoya incurred an old wrist injury during the first round of his fight against Oba Carr, which continued to bother him in later fights. The pain was aggravated on his first day of sparring for the Karmazin match.

June 17, 2000: Lost to Shane Mosley

On June 17, 2000, Oscar De La Hoya lost his WBC welterweight title, which he was awarded after Trinidad vacated it, to Shane Mosley by split decision.

December 2000: Moakler Files Palimony Suit

In December 2000, Shanna Moakler filed a $62.5 million palimony suit against Oscar De La Hoya, claiming abuse and using her and their daughter as props.

2000: Sued Bob Arum

In 2000, Oscar De La Hoya sued Bob Arum to break his contract with the promoter.

November 8, 2001: Fight Against Roman Karmazin Cancelled

On November 8, 2001, the fight between De La Hoya and Karmazin was cancelled due to De La Hoya suffering from a torn cartilage in his left wrist.

May 2002: Fight Withdrawal Due to Hand Injury

In May 2002, De La Hoya had to withdraw from a scheduled fight against Fernando Vargas due to a hand injury.

September 18, 2004: Unification Match Against Bernard Hopkins

On September 18, 2004, Oscar De La Hoya fought Bernard Hopkins in a unification match in Las Vegas. Hopkins held the WBC, WBA, and IBF middleweight titles and was considered the number one pound for pound fighter. The fight was at a catchweight of 158 pounds, with Hopkins considered the favorite.

May 5, 2007: Fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr.

On May 5, 2007, Oscar De La Hoya fought Floyd Mayweather Jr. at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Mayweather won by split decision in a closely contested fight.

December 6, 2008: Fight Against Manny Pacquiao

On December 6, 2008, Oscar De La Hoya faced Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in a non-title welterweight fight. Pacquiao defeated De La Hoya, who was favored to win due to his size advantage.

September 3, 2021: De La Hoya disclosed he was raped

On September 3, 2021, Oscar De La Hoya disclosed that he was raped by a woman when he was 13. He did not reveal her identity but stated that she was over 35 years of age.

September 11, 2021: Postponed Return to Ring

On September 3, 2021, Oscar De La Hoya announced that he would not be fighting Belfort on September 11, 2021, due to contracting COVID-19, despite being fully vaccinated. He was receiving hospital treatment.