Legendary former boxer and Golden Boy Promotions founder Oscar de la Hoya has been a central figure in the boxing world. Recently, however, his promotion company has faced criticism for its fighters’ disappointing performances. De la Hoya is an icon of the sport with 11 world titles in six weight classes, but his life outside the ring has generated headlines for less conventional reasons. In recent years, he has posted eccentric videos on social media, often appearing half-naked or acting bizarrely. One such video showed him dancing provocatively with his partner, Holly Sonders, and it was removed from Instagram.
A Moment of Class at the Riyadh Latin Night
These moments have generated both laughter and criticism, cementing his reputation as an unpredictable figure. However, a recent video shared by Sonders shows De La Hoya in a different light, suggesting a return to composure and elegance. Holly Sonders shared a throwback video from November 16 of last year. The video captures her and Oscar de la Hoya at the Riyadh Season Latino Night event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The couple, who have been together since 2021, attended the celebration of Latino culture and boxing.
De la Hoya wore an elegant black mariachi suit, and Sonders wore a red dress that revealed one leg. The event featured the cruiserweight title unification between Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramírez and Chris Billam-Smith and was a showcase for Golden Boy Promotions. Unlike his recent posts, in which de la Hoya appeared in suggestive situations, this video portrays a more refined side of him, possibly influenced by Saudi Arabia’s strict cultural norms, which seem to have moderated his usual behavior.
De La Hoya Return to Sanity?
At 51 years old, de la Hoya seems to be trying to strike a balance between his legacy as a boxer and his public life, which has often been scrutinized. While Golden Boy Promotions is facing challenges with its fighters, that moment in Riyadh could be a turning point for de la Hoya, showcasing his respect for his cultural roots and a newfound focus. Fans and critics will be watching to see if this change is permanent or just a pause in his saga of unpredictable behavior.
The contrast between De La Hoya in his half-naked viral videos and the dapper gentleman in Riyadh is striking. His previous posts, such as the controversial thong dancing video that was removed from Holly Sonders’s Instagram, have fueled an image of eccentricity. However, his appearance at Latino Night, where he was dressed in traditional Mexican attire and accompanied by Sonders, suggests an attempt to reclaim a more dignified image.
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