Oscar De La Hoya: The Golden Boy's Journey From Ring To Business

How Much Is Oscar De La Hoya Worth Today?

Listen, when we talk about Oscar De La Hoya, we're not just talking about a boxer—we're talking about a legend. Born in East Los Angeles, this Mexican-American athlete has built a staggering net worth of $200 million. Known as "The Golden Boy," De La Hoya didn’t just dazzle in the ring; he captured the hearts of millions with his charisma, speed, and power. Over his career, he earned 11 world titles across six weight classes, from super featherweight all the way up to middleweight. It wasn’t just his fighting ability that made him shine—it was his marketability, too. He became a global icon, one of the most beloved figures in boxing history.

But it wasn’t just luck. De La Hoya started making waves long before turning pro. Back in 1992, he won a gold medal at the Barcelona Olympics, setting the stage for his professional debut later that year. And oh, did he deliver! His fights were some of the biggest and most lucrative in boxing history, raking in $700 million in pay-per-view earnings alone. He went toe-to-toe with legends like Julio César Chávez, Pernell Whitaker, and Floyd Mayweather Jr., cementing his status as a true champion. Even after retiring, De La Hoya didn’t slow down. He founded Golden Boy Promotions, continuing to shape the sport he loves so much.

Early Life: From East LA to Olympic Glory

Oscar was born on February 4, 1973, in East Los Angeles, California, into a family deeply rooted in boxing. His journey began early, winning the national Junior Olympics at just 15 years old. But life wasn’t all sunshine and roses. Tragically, his mother, Cecilia Gonzales De La Hoya, passed away from breast cancer before she could see her son achieve greatness. Just months after graduating from James A. Garfield High School, Oscar brought home a gold medal from the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. That moment wasn’t just a personal triumph—it was a tribute to his late mother and a promise of greatness to come.

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A Career That Defined an Era

They call him "The Golden Boy" for a reason. Oscar’s amateur career was nothing short of spectacular, boasting an incredible 234 wins, 163 by knockout, and only six losses. When he turned pro in December 1992, he wasted no time showing the world what he was made of. With a first-round knockout victory in his debut, Oscar set the tone for what would become a legendary career.

By March 1994, he had already won his first professional title as the junior lightweight champion of the World Boxing Organization (WBO), defeating Jimmi Bredahl in the tenth round. Four months later, he added another belt to his collection, knocking out Jorge Páez to claim the WBO lightweight title. In 1995, he claimed the International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior lightweight championship, improving his record to an impressive 18-0.

But the real tests were yet to come. In June 1996, De La Hoya faced the legendary Julio César Chávez, a fighter who had dominated Mexican boxing for years. Oscar didn’t just win—he dismantled Chavez, silencing critics who doubted his ability to compete at higher levels. Over the next few years, he defended his titles against some of the best fighters in the world, including Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker, whom he defeated in 1997. By the time he faced Felix Trinidad in 1999, De La Hoya was a household name, but the fight ended with his first loss. Still, he rebounded, continuing to fight until his final bout against Manny Pacquiao in 2008. With 17 years of dedication and 11 world titles under his belt, Oscar officially retired in 2009, leaving behind a legacy that will never be forgotten.

Expanding Beyond the Ring

De La Hoya’s success wasn’t confined to the boxing ring. His charm and good looks opened doors to a variety of business ventures. He launched "Boxeo de Oro," a Spanish-language boxing show on HBO, and dabbled in fashion with his own clothing line. He even partnered with gaming giants like PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PSP, further expanding his brand.

But that’s not all. In 2006, he released an English/Spanish Latin album titled "Oscar," earning himself a Grammy nomination. The same year, he authored a children’s book called "Super Oscar," which received glowing reviews. His autobiography, "American Son: My Story," published in 2008, gave fans a deeper look into his life and career. Outside the ring, he became a prominent figure in the boxing world as the President of Golden Boy Promotions, a company that promotes both boxing and mixed martial arts events.

Oscar’s entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there. He founded Golden Boy Partners, a real estate development company focused on revitalizing urban Latino communities. At one point, he even considered running for president in 2020, though he ultimately decided against it.

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Philanthropy: Giving Back to the Community

De La Hoya has always been passionate about giving back. In honor of his late mother, he and his siblings established the Cecilia Gonzalez De La Hoya Cancer Center at the White Memorial Medical Center, donating $350,000 to the cause. He also founded a charity aimed at providing education opportunities for underprivileged youth. In 2008, he made a generous $3.5 million donation to the De La Hoya Animo Charter High School, ensuring that future generations have access to quality education.

Personal Life: Love, Loss, and New Beginnings

Oscar’s personal life has been as dramatic as his professional one. In 1997, he began dating Shanna Moakler, the 1995 Miss USA winner, and they welcomed a daughter, Atiana de la Hoya, in 1999. However, their relationship ended abruptly in 2000 after Moakler saw De La Hoya on TV with another woman at the Latin Grammy Awards. She later filed a $62.5 million palimony suit, which was settled out of court.

In 2001, De La Hoya married singer Millie Corretjer, and together they had three children. The couple separated in 2016, and Oscar now has two additional children from other relationships. These days, he’s dating Holly Saunders, a woman 15 years his junior.

Real Estate: Homes Fit for a Champion

Oscar has always had a taste for luxury. In 1997, he purchased a $3.35 million home in Los Angeles, which he sold for $3.75 million in 2002. In 2001, he splurged on an 11,500-square-foot mansion in Pasadena for $5.2 million, a property now valued at around $18 million. Most recently, in 2022, he paid $14.6 million for an unfinished home in Henderson, Nevada. He spent millions customizing the 9,000-square-foot mansion, including converting a planned second garage into a man cave complete with a golf simulator and arcade.

Controversies: Challenges Along the Way

Even champions face challenges. In 2001, Shanna Moakler filed a $62.5 million palimony suit, claiming she needed support for their daughter, Antiana. The case was settled out of court. In 1998, De La Hoya was accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, but the charges were dropped after an investigation. He also faced legal trouble in 2017 when he was arrested for DUI in Pasadena. Though the charges were dismissed in 2018, De La Hoya has been open about his struggles with substance abuse, seeking treatment at the Betty Ford Center for alcohol and cocaine addiction.