Oscar De La Hoya Biography

1973-

American boxer

Called the "Golden Boy" since he became the only American boxer to win a gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, Oscar De La Hoya has always had a simple plan in the ring: "You should hit but not get hit," as he once explained it to a Sports Illustrated reporter. The plan seems to be working. By the time of the Olympics, De La Hoya's amateur record stood at 223 wins and 5 losses, with 153 knockouts. His professional record has been equally successful, at 27-0, with 22 knockouts. He has captured three titles and many observers think that, pound-for-pound, De La Hoya is the best boxer out there. At the same time, his good looks have made him a media favorite, unusually so for anyone outside the heavyweight division. They have also propelled him to the top ranks of earners, ranking third in Forbes magazine's list of the world's highest paid athletes. Just as importantly, De La Hoya is often seen as an exemplar for Hispanic Americans, a kid from the barrio who made it, with fortitude and very much on his own terms. The strain of being a role model has sometimes taken its toll.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Address: Oscar De La Hoya Enterprises, 2401 South Atlantic Blvd., Monterey Park, CA 91754-6807.