Oscar de la Hoya, the legendary boxer and founder of Golden Boy Promotions, has shown a new side of himself. The former champion appeared at the Riyadh Season Latino Night event in Saudi Arabia on November 16, 2022, looking more composed and elegant than in recent times.
De la Hoya, who won 11 world titles in six weight classes during his career, has faced criticism lately. His company, Golden Boy Promotions, has come under fire for some disappointing performances by its fighters. On a personal level, the 51-year-old has posted some strange videos on social media, often half-naked or acting oddly.
One particularly controversial moment came when De la Hoya posted a video on Instagram dancing provocatively with his partner, Holly Sonders. The platform removed the video soon after.
At the Riyadh event, which celebrated Latino culture and boxing, De la Hoya looked very different. He wore an elegant black mariachi suit and seemed refined and composed. His partner, Sonders, whom he's been with since 2021, wore a red dress that showed off one leg.
The event featured a cruiserweight title unification match between Gilberto "Zurdo" RamÃrez and Chris Billam-Smith, showcasing Golden Boy Promotions' talent.
De la Hoya's appearance in Saudi Arabia marks a stark contrast to his recent public image. The strict cultural norms of the country might have influenced his more subdued behavior. It's unclear if this change will last, but it could be a turning point for how people see the boxing legend.
Golden Boy Promotions continues to face challenges with its fighters, and De la Hoya's public life remains under scrutiny. Only time will tell if this more refined version of Oscar de la Hoya will become the new norm or if it's just a brief change of pace.
