“I Decided It’s Over for Me. I Can’t Take This”: Oscar De La Hoya Gets Candid About His Addiction Right Before His Bout Against This Top Dog Boxer

Oscar De La Hoya, widely regarded as one of the best boxers of his generation, faced numerous challenges during his illustrious career. From dazzling victories to heartbreaking defeats, the Golden Boy’s journey inside the squared circle was marked by triumphs and struggles. However, one of the most significant battles he fought was not against an opponent, but against his own demons.

In December 2008, at the age of 34, De La Hoya faced a rising Manny Pacquiao in a highly anticipated bout. Critics argued that the fight was a mismatch, with Pacquiao perceived as too small to compete with the former champion. However, as events unfolded, it was clear that the critics’ assessment was misdirected. The bout was a one-sided contest with Pac-Man getting the victory via stoppage in the eighth round. Despite this, ‘Golden Boy’s’ problems started way back in training camp leading to this fight.

Oscar De La Hoya details struggles with training partners ahead of Pacquiao fight

In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight ahead of his two-part docuseries ‘The Golden Boy’s’ premier, De La Hoya, detailed his training regiment. He claimed that sparring sessions became increasingly brutal as he was dropped by his partners. The relentless beatings took a toll on his body. Moreover, it left him questioning whether he could endure the fight with Pacquiao.

“It starts in training camp. I’m training for Manny, and keep in mind [it’s] three months before the fight, OK?” De La Hoya said. “I was getting beat up by my sparring partners. At one point, during training camp – maybe midway – I decided it’s over for me. I can’t take this. I’m getting beat up so much. My body doesn’t feel right, ” he said.

The pressure and physical toll of the training camp pushed him to a breaking point. Midway through the preparation, he reached a profound realization that he no longer believed in himself. The desire to win began to wane, and an unsettling feeling of defeatism set in eventually taking him down a dark path.

De La Hoya’s descent into alcoholism during camp

For the first time in his life, De La Hoya turned to alcohol during the training camp. Seeking solace in drinking, he struggled to cope with the overwhelming challenges he faced. His body didn’t feel right, and the relentless training sessions seemed insurmountable. Alcohol became an escape, a way to numb the pain and silence the doubts that gnawed at him.

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“I start drinking and drinking and I’m not caring anymore. My whole career, I’m always focused. Always determined, 100 percent. But this time I just felt [like it was] over.” he added.

The once unyielding focus and determination that defined De La Hoya’s career were overshadowed by the burden of defeat and the toll of the training camp. The drinking persisted, and he found himself losing the sense of purpose that had always driven him into the ring. As we reflect on the boxing legend’s tumultuous life in his upcoming documentary, we are reminded of the complexity of the human spirit and the courage it takes to confront personal demons.

What did you think about De La Hoya’s struggles during training camp before his fight against Pacquiao? Let us know in the comments.

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