|
|
|
Oscar de la Hoya: Good As Gold
By : Bret Love
Born into a boxing family in 1973, Oscar de la Hoya is considered by many to be among the top fighters of all time. His Olympic Gold medal-winning amateur career included a stunning record of 223 wins (163 by knockout) and only six losses, while as a pro he's amassed a record of 39-6, defeating 17 world champions and winning 10 world titles in six different weight classes. Along the way, he's also generated more revenue than any other boxer in history.
But equally impressive are his accomplishments outside the ring. With the formation of Golden Boy Promotions, he became the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotion firm, whose roster includes legends Bernard Hopkins and Shane Mosley, as well as up-and-coming stars like Victor Ortiz. His Oscar de la Hoya Foundation has helped thousands of families around the country, donating millions to build schools, develop communities and fight disease. And with his purchase of a 25 percent interest in the Major League Soccer team Houston Dynamo, he's also helping to generate U.S. interest in the world's most popular sport.
Speaking to us just after his 36th birthday (and just prior to his announcement that he was retiring from boxing), the Mexican-American legend weighed in on topics ranging from his legendary career to the future of boxing.
Your family was full of boxers. Was there ever any question that this would be your career path?
Growing up I basically didn't have a choice, though I think it ultimately turned out pretty good. I remember when I was in elementary school, one of the teachers always asked, 'What do you want to be when you grow up?' I always said I wanted to become an Olympic champion, so there was never a doubt in my mind.
You've gotten more involved with the promotional aspects of boxing. What are the keys to helping the sport thrive?
We started Golden Boy Promotions about six years ago, and what I wanted to do was create a company that is by the fighters and for the fighters. My idea was to invite living legends of the sports, such as Bernard Hopkins and Shane Mosley, to become partners in the company. These are fighters that people look up to, and having them on board made it much easier for us to find and recruit the best young talent out there. The No. 1 key to our success has been making sure that the fighter is always first and their well-being is taken care of, and that's made us the premier boxing promotion company in the world today.
Who are some of the young boxers you're working with whom you think people should keep their eyes on?
There's an up-and-coming fighter named Victor Ortiz that they're calling the next Golden Boy. He's only 20 years old, but a lot of people are recognizing his tremendous talent. He's very diversified: Not only is he a fighter, he's also a surfer, a golfer and an all-around good kid.
How does a match like your loss to Manny Pacquiao in December make you re-evaluate your career?
I definitely analyzed my career very carefully and was torn between retiring and trying to continue. I am 36, but I now understand why it's so difficult for any athlete to retire. I've been in this sport since I was 5 years old, so it took some time to make the decision. My family, my health and my well-being all factored into my decision. I'm sure I can compete at a higher level physically, but what it came down to was whether or not my mind was ready to be up for these fights. My work ethic is at the highest level, but the question was whether mentally I still wanted it.
Can you talk about the primary mission of your foundation and your efforts in urban development for Latino communities?
As I traveled during my boxing career, I was struck by the enormous need to improve the quality of life in these communities. I realized that real estate was one of the areas where I could make an impact, because it can build a fence of pride that you really can't get through any other form of economic development. The opportunity to own a home or business fosters a sense of pride in one's community that can help increase safety, reduce crime and lead to higher property values. My partner and I want to be financially successful, but we also want to give back and help other people realize their dreams.
In the past you've done everything from albums and children's books to clothing lines. What future projects do you have lined up?
I feel a great responsibility in helping to grow another sport I have a lot of passion for, which is soccer. I became part-owner of the Houston Dynamo, which won back-to-back championships in 2006 and 2007. I really want to help develop this great sport, because I think soccer could be a major player in U.S. sports franchises.
What did it mean to you to have a statue of yourself unveiled outside the Staples Center last year?
It's one of the biggest honors they've bestowed on me. The accomplishments I've had inside the ring have been incredible, and I feel so fortunate to have been able to conquer all of the dreams I've had. To get a statue next to legends like Magic Johnson and Wayne Gretzky was huge, and knowing kids can go to the Staples Center and hopefully be inspired by our accomplishments is very special to me. It's one of those rewards that will last forever.
Book your trip today! Visit www.aa.com, call American/American Eagle reservations at 1-800-433-7300, or call your travel agent for more information.
|
