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, nicknamed "The Golden Boy of Boxing", is an American boxing promoter and former professional boxer. He competed from 1992 to 2008, achieving significant success by winning 11 world titles across six weight classes, including lineal championships in three. Representing the United States, he won a gold medal in the lightweight division at the 1992 Summer Olympics shortly after graduating high school. He is considered one of the greatest boxers of all time, ranked 16th by BoxRec.

Sections (5)

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

1989: Golden Gloves Win

In 1989, Oscar De La Hoya won the National Golden Gloves (57 kg) in May, Knoxville, Tennessee.

1989: National Golden Gloves Title

In 1989, Oscar De La Hoya won the National Golden Gloves title in the bantamweight division, marking an early achievement in his boxing career.

1990: U.S. National Championships

In February 1990, Oscar De La Hoya won the U.S. National Championships (57 kg) in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

1990: Goodwill Games Gold Medal

In July-August 1990, Oscar De La Hoya won a gold medal at the Goodwill Games (57 kg) in Seattle, Washington.

1990: United States Olympic Cup

In June 1990, Oscar De La Hoya won the United States Olympic Cup (57 kg) at the Salt Palace Exhibition Hall in Salt Lake City, Utah.

1991: U.S. National Championships Gold Medal

In February-March 1991, Oscar De La Hoya secured the Gold Medal at the U.S. National Championships (60 kg) held in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

1991: U.S. Olympic Festival Gold Medal

In July 1991, Oscar De La Hoya won the gold medal at the U.S. Olympic Festival (60 kg) held at The Forum in Los Angeles, California.

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: Summer Olympics Gold Medal Win

In 1992, Oscar De La Hoya won the gold medal at the Summer Olympics in Barcelona, defeating German boxer Marco Rudolph. The U.S. media publicized his quest to fulfill his mother's dying wish and nicknamed him "The Golden Boy".

1992: Olympic Games Gold Medal

In July–August 1992, Oscar De La Hoya secured the Gold Medal at the Olympic Games (60 kg) held at Palau dels Esports, Barcelona, Spain.

July 29, 1994: WBO Lightweight Title Win

On July 29, 1994, Oscar De La Hoya knocked out Jorge Páez to win the vacant WBO Lightweight title, marking a significant achievement in his career.

February 1995: Victory over John-John Molina

In February 1995, Oscar De La Hoya defeated John-John Molina by unanimous decision, adding another victory to his record.

May 6, 1995: Defeated Rafael Ruelas

On May 6, 1995, Oscar De La Hoya defeated IBF lightweight champion Rafael Ruelas in a unification bout, solidifying his position in the lightweight division.

1995: Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year

In 1995, Oscar De La Hoya was named The Ring magazine Fighter of the Year, marking a significant achievement in his boxing career.

June 7, 1996: Victory over Julio César Chávez

On June 7, 1996, Oscar De La Hoya defeated Julio César Chávez by a fourth-round TKO, claiming the lineal and WBC light welterweight championship.

June 14, 1997: Defense of WBC Welterweight Title

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

September 13, 1997: Defeat of Héctor Camacho

On September 13, 1997, Oscar De La Hoya defeated Héctor Camacho by unanimous decision, maintaining his position in the welterweight division.

December 6, 1997: Victory Over Rivera

On December 6, 1997, Oscar De La Hoya defeated Wilfredo Rivera by eighth-round TKO, adding to his list of successful title defenses.

1997: Welterweight Division Move

In 1997, Oscar De La Hoya moved up to the welterweight division and fought Pernell Whitaker, winning a twelve-round unanimous decision to capture the lineal and WBC titles and becoming The Ring Magazine's number-one ranked pound-for-pound fighter.

1997: Top-Rated Fighter by The Ring magazine

In 1997, Oscar De La Hoya was named the top-rated fighter in the world, pound for pound, by The Ring magazine, solidifying his status as a leading boxer.

June 13, 1998: Defeat of Patrick Charpentier

On June 13, 1998, Oscar De La Hoya defeated mandatory challenger Patrick Charpentier by third round TKO, marking another successful title defense.

September 18, 1998: Rematch Victory Over Julio César Chávez

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

1998: Top-Rated Fighter by The Ring magazine

In 1998, Oscar De La Hoya continued to be recognized as the top-rated fighter in the world, pound for pound, by The Ring magazine, reaffirming his dominance in boxing.