Oscar De La Hoya's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Oscar De La Hoya. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

November 23, 1992: Professional Debut

On November 23, 1992, Oscar De La Hoya made his professional debut, achieving a first-round KO victory over Lamar Williams in 1 minute 42 seconds.

1992: Olympic Gold Medal

In 1992, Oscar De La Hoya represented the United States at the Summer Olympics and won a gold medal in the lightweight division.

July 29, 1994: Won WBO Lightweight Title

On July 29, 1994, Oscar De La Hoya won the vacant WBO Lightweight title by knocking out Jorge Páez in the second round.

February 1995: Defeated John-John Molina

In February 1995, De La Hoya defeated John-John Molina by unanimous decision. Molina had recently vacated his IBF Super Featherweight title.

May 6, 1995: Defeated Rafael Ruelas in Unification Bout

On May 6, 1995, De La Hoya defeated IBF lightweight champion Rafael Ruelas in a unification bout. The fight was stopped in the second round after De La Hoya knocked Ruelas down twice.

1995: Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year

In 1995, De La Hoya was named The Ring magazine Fighter of the Year.

June 7, 1996: Defeated Julio César Chávez

On June 7, 1996, Oscar De La Hoya defeated Julio César Chávez by a fourth-round TKO, winning the lineal and WBC light welterweight championship. The fight was stopped due to cuts suffered by Chavez.

June 14, 1997: Defeated David Kamau

On June 14, 1997, Oscar De La Hoya successfully defended his WBC welterweight title, defeating David Kamau by second-round KO.

September 13, 1997: Defeated Héctor Camacho

On September 13, 1997, Oscar De La Hoya defeated Héctor Camacho by unanimous decision.

December 6, 1997: Defeated Wilfredo Rivera

On December 6, 1997, Oscar De La Hoya defeated Wilfredo Rivera by eighth-round TKO.

1997: Top-Rated Fighter

In 1997, De La Hoya was The Ring magazine's top-rated fighter in the world, pound for pound.

1997: Defeated Pernell Whitaker

In 1997, Oscar De La Hoya moved up to the welterweight division and defeated Pernell Whitaker by unanimous decision to capture the lineal and WBC titles. He also became The Ring Magazine's number-one ranked pound-for-pound fighter.

June 13, 1998: Defeated Patrick Charpentier

On June 13, 1998, Oscar De La Hoya defeated mandatory challenger Patrick Charpentier by third round TKO.

September 18, 1998: Defeated Julio César Chávez in Rematch

On September 18, 1998, Oscar De La Hoya fought a rematch with Julio César Chávez and defeated him by eighth-round TKO.

1998: Top-Rated Fighter

In 1998, De La Hoya continued to be The Ring magazine's top-rated fighter in the world, pound for pound.

February 26, 2000: Knocked out Derrell Coley

On February 26, 2000, Oscar De La Hoya knocked out Derrell Coley in a WBC eliminator.

February 2001: Won Lawsuit Against Bob Arum

In February 2001, the courts ruled in favor of De La Hoya in his lawsuit against Bob Arum, allowing him to break his contract with the promoter.

March 24, 2001: Defeated Arturo Gatti

On March 24, 2001, Oscar De La Hoya defeated Arturo Gatti by fifth-round TKO.

September 14, 2002: Unification Bout vs. Fernando Vargas

On September 14, 2002, Oscar De La Hoya fought Fernando Vargas in a unification bout dubbed "Bad Blood" at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. De La Hoya won by TKO in the eleventh round after knocking Vargas down. This victory is considered the biggest of De La Hoya's career. After the fight, Vargas tested positive for stanozolol.

June 5, 2004: Won WBO Middleweight Title Against Felix Sturm

On June 5, 2004, Oscar De La Hoya challenged Felix Sturm for the WBO middleweight title. De La Hoya won by unanimous decision, becoming the first boxer to win world titles in six different weight divisions. The decision was controversial, with many believing Sturm won the fight.

May 6, 2006: Defeated Ricardo Mayorga

On May 6, 2006, Oscar De La Hoya fought Ricardo Mayorga for the WBC light middleweight title. De La Hoya knocked Mayorga down in the first round and secured a knockout in the sixth, winning his tenth world title.

May 1, 2007: Announced Bronze Statue at Staples Center

On May 1, 2007, it was announced that a 7-foot bronze statue of Oscar De La Hoya would be erected at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, joining statues of Magic Johnson and Wayne Gretzky.

May 3, 2008: Fight Against Steve Forbes

On May 3, 2008, Oscar De La Hoya fought Steve Forbes at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California. De La Hoya won by unanimous decision in 12 rounds. It was considered a tune-up for a potential rematch with Mayweather.

December 2, 2008: Unveiling of Statue at Staples Center

On December 2, 2008, a 7-foot bronze statue of Oscar De La Hoya was unveiled at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles, honoring his achievements in boxing.