He is an Olympic champion, world boxing champion in six different weight classes, and a very successful business man, especially in Southern California. Oscar de la Hoya, boxing's Golden Boy, announced his retirement yesterday after a career highlighted by an Olympic medal and numerous championship belts.
All the accolades are there, but was he still overrated despite the successful career?
Absolutely. The "big name" fighters he defeated early in his career to make a name for himself were past their prime and shells of their former selves. These victories gave him an aura of invincibility that led to big money fights and multiple title shots. However, when he finally had a huge fight against a fighter in his prime that could match Oscar, he was blown out of the ring. Felix Trinidad unmasked the fraud who had picked on aging stars to build his own golden empire.
Don't get me wrong, he accomplished some phenomenal accomplishments; 39-6 professional record, 10 championships in six different weight classes, and has developed the "Golden Boy" image so that he has a life after boxing. Despite these huge accolades, will you remember de la Hoya for hoisting belt after belt, or getting pummeled by Manny Pacquiao in his last fight? Until next time...
Branden E. Jones
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