Born February 4, 1973 in Montebello, CA. A decorated amateur, De La Hoya capped a 223-5 (153 KOs) amateur career by capturing lightweight gold at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona.
With much fanfare, he turned pro in 1992 to begin a career that would culminate in 10 world titles in six weight divisions. He captured his first world title – the WBO junior lightweight - in only his 12th pro bout and would go on to win titles at lightweight, light welterweight, welterweight, light middleweight and middleweight. Among the champions he defeated include Jorge Paez (KO 2), John John Molina (W 12) Rafael Ruelas (TKO 2), Genaro Hernandez (W TKO 6), Hector Camacho (W 12), Ike Quartey (W 12), Fernando Vargas (TKO 11), Ricardo Mayorga (TKO 6) and Hall of Famers Julio Cesar Chavez (TKO 4, W TKO 8), Pernell Whitaker (W 12) and Arturo Gatti (TKO 5). He also engaged in memorable battles with “Sugar” Shane Mosley, Felix Trinidad and Bernard Hopkins during his championship career. His 2007 bout the Floyd Mayweather Jr. (L 12) was one of the richest in boxing history, garnering nearly 2.5 million pay per view buys. Following a 2008 bout with Manny Pacquiao (TKO by 8), De La Hoya retired with a pro record of 39-6 (30 KOs).
In 2002 he established promotional powerhouse Golden Boy Promotions. An aggressive boxer and excellent finisher, De La Hoya combined knockout power and quickness to become one of boxing’s biggest stars and transcend the sport.
Born: Feb. 4, 1972
Bouts: 45
Won: 39
Lost: 6
KOs: 30
Induction: 2014