The Hard Way of Oscar De La Hoya

The world of boxing has generated a lot of bright people, whose popularity has gone far beyond this hard sport. One of these stars is Oscar De La Hoya, a boxer who has picked up a record number of titles. Looking at his well-groomed face, decorating his happy smile with another glossy magazine, it's hard to believe that this outstanding man was once an ordinary boy from the slums of Los Angeles. The story of Oscar De La Hoya visually shows how the strength of the spirit helps overcome any difficulties and realize their dream.

Childhood boxer

The future athlete was born in 1973 in California (USA). Love for boxing was passed on to the Oscar family from generation to generation. His grandfather was a boxer, like his father. However, neither of them could achieve any impressive results in the sport. Since childhood, Oscar has shown an unusual interest in the arts, especially singing. He also liked to skateboard and play baseball. Violence has never attracted a future champion, the slums have not been able to leave their stern imprint on it.

At 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 that by the beginning of his amateur career it became clear that he would be useful. Father Oscar did everything possible for his pet, looking for him first-class coaches.

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 were steadily growing - Oscar constantly traveled around the country, winning one victory after another. The most loyal admirer of the talented boxer was his mother, who encouraged him and was often present at the battles of his son. However, all this time she led her own battle with cancer, which slowly but surely prevailed over the fragile woman.

The death of the mother literally destroyed the future champion, but eventually he resumed his favorite sport. The successes of Oscar De La Hoya led him to the 1992 Olympics, where he took the gold medal. This was the only gold of the American team, whose performance that year was unusually weak. It was then that Oscar got his nickname - "Golden Boy", which will accompany him throughout his career.

Professional career

The victory at the Olympics opened the young talent of the door to professional boxing. Oscar De La Hoya immediately took this opportunity, starting his career with a victory over Lamar Williams. His Golden Boy knocked out in the first round, as well as many subsequent rivals. The first serious test for Oscar was a fight with John Molina, lasted all 12 rounds. This was the first fight in which De La Hoya could not knock out an opponent, allowing the judges to decide the outcome of the fight.

Then follows a series of high-profile wins and the first titles, including the belt of the IBF champion, received after the fight with Rafael Ruelas. Victories poured into the Golden Boy one after another, every fan of boxing knew who Oscar De La Hoya was. The best fights of this explosive fighter ended with beautiful knockouts, which became an adornment of this harsh sport. Of course, not everything was smooth in the career of a talented Hispanic. However, the controversial defeat of Felix Trinidad did not diminish the fervor of Oscar De La Hoya - he continued his rapid career. After several early victories, there was an unfortunate defeat from Shane Mosley, who during the entire match was superior to Oscar.

End of career

The last defeat knocked the Golden Boy out of the rut, he took a short break. At this time, the boxer started singing and even released his own music album, which gained popularity among fans of popular music. Oscar is engaged in charity and social activities, nominated for the "Man of the Year" award. However, the break was not a long one, just 10 months later the athlete returns to the ring. He is expected to fight with the strongest boxers of the planet, as well as a rematch with Shane Moseley, in which the Golden Boy was again defeated. He also fought with such a boxing star as Floyd Mayweather, a fight was planned for "Oscar De La Hoya vs. Kostya Ju".

The glory 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 in a career star named Oscar De La Hoya. The best battles of this master of leather gloves will forever remain in the memory of boxing fans. This extraordinary person has proved by his example that hard work can destroy any walls, make a poor boy from a slum a world-class star.