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Oscar De La Hoya, the Hall of Fame fighter turned boxing executive, has navigated a tumultuous journey at the helm of his promotional company, Golden Boy, for over two decades. Despite facing scandals, lawsuits, and personal battles with addiction, De La Hoya has emerged from the shadows of his past, revitalized and determined to make a mark once again.
In a two-part documentary, De La Hoya candidly shares his trials and tribulations, showcasing his journey of redemption and renewal. Now, at 51 years old, the former six-division champion finds himself back in the spotlight, promoting a highly anticipated bout between Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney on April 20 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on a DAZN pay-per-view.
The road to this matchup wasn't without its hurdles, as Garcia initially had to settle his differences with Golden Boy before the fight could materialize. However, De La Hoya's commitment to delivering top-tier fights prevailed, and the showdown between Garcia and Haney was set in motion.
De La Hoya's optimism extends beyond the Garcia-Haney fight, as he predicts the PPV event will surpass the 1.2 million purchases of Garcia's previous bout against Gervonta "Tank" Davis. He envisions a potential trilogy between Garcia and Haney, fueled by their genuine animosity and trash talk leading up to the fight.
Despite the intense rivalry, De La Hoya emphasized that the Garcia-Haney bout will be on an even playing field, with no rehydration or rematch clause. He anticipates a fierce and competitive encounter, reminiscent of their amateur fights.
As the countdown to the Garcia-Haney fight begins, De La Hoya is already eyeing another blockbuster event on Cinco De Mayo weekend. Golden Boy is in negotiations for Jaime Munguia, whom they co-promote alongside Zanfer, to face off against Saul "Canelo" Alvarez, the undisputed super middleweight champion.
Alvarez, who parted ways with Golden Boy in 2020, is currently a promotional free agent weighing his options. De La Hoya expressed his eagerness for a potential Alvarez-Munguia showdown, highlighting the action-packed spectacle it would offer to fans.
In a surprising turn, De La Hoya has also extended an olive branch to rival promoters, signaling his willingness to collaborate for the greater good of boxing. Despite past tensions with Alvarez, De La Hoya maintains his respect for the fighter and is open to the possibility of working together in the future.
"I have no apology [to Alvarez] because I have no idea what I did to him to end the relationship," De La Hoya stated. "All I want to do is make the best fights happen for the people. That's what it's all about."
De La Hoya's journey from turmoil to triumph serves as a testament to his resilience and unwavering passion for the sport. As he continues to navigate the complex landscape of boxing promotion, De La Hoya remains focused on delivering unforgettable matchups that captivate fans worldwide.