MEDIA BLITZ: TALKING BOOKS AND THE HIGH LIFE WITH OSCAR DE LA HOYA

by Sam Alipour

The sun is setting on the Golden Boy's boxing career, but he's going down swinging (and earning). In what may be the busiest year of his life, Oscar De La Hoya plans to fight two more times this year—a September rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. and a final un-filled bout in December. All this while serving as the subject of From Puncher to Promoter, a documentary currently being shopped, and juggling an empire that includes Major League Soccer's Houston Dynamo (he's a part owner).


First up, though is publicity for his shocking new book American Son, out June 10 from HarperEntertainment.

Alipour: Why write this book?
De La Hoya: I wanted to tell the truth about the life of the Golden Boy. Life wasn't all so glamorous. It's been a long road with a lot of bumps. I wanted to let people inside my life and explain how tough it is to be in this position. It's a heartfelt and open, borderline shocking story.

How high, and how rough, did the high life get for you?
Well, I had a gambling problem many years ago. I don't gamble or drink anymore, but it was very intense back then. There were times where I'd lose a half a million dollars, then go back to my suite with 100 people I didn't even know, and I'd feel myself being alone, crying in the corner like a baby. I want people to know this wasn't an easy life.

Right, but the book fails to mention one of your missteps: What's with that album, man?
(Laughs) People remind me of it every single day. They tell me, "Why? Why did you do it?" (Laughs) I don't even try playing it anymore.

How did you avoid the sad, broke boxer fate, and not become Mike Tyson?
I was always a dreamer, someone who sets goals for myself that I had to achieve. I set goals even to this day. The most important piece of my puzzle is I've surrounded myself with smarter people who are growing my empire and hanging on with me.

Do you ever sit back and go, "OK, I am officially filthy, filthy rich?"
(Laughs) It's funny because it still hasn't set in. The more acquisitions we make, it's very addicting. At this stage, I've lost track of what I'm worth. As of a few years ago, I'd ask the question almost everyday: How much money do I have in the bank? I don't ask that question any more. (Laughs)

So, boxing: You still planning to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. in September and a final bout in December?
That's the plan. Obviously, it's kind of tight with scheduling the December fight after Mayweather. If I can squeeze it in, I will. If not, then Mayweather Jr. will be my final fight.

What strategy changes will you make?
I'll give you one. Relaxing more. Not fighting like a robot. Fighting Floyd in the first one, I was fighting like a robot. I was trying to knock his head off. And that's what Floyd wants. The reason he trash talks so much is he wants you to be angry with him. He wants you to go out there and swing as hard as you can because it plays to his advantage. So the adjustment I'll be making is to relax, and let my punches go, feinting a lot, using more jabs.

Who would you like to go out against in that final fight in December?
It would have to be a top guy. I've been able to fight the best, and I think December will be no exception. But I haven't given it much thought.

Here's my idea: fight Kimbo Slice, dude!
(Laughs) Well, if you chop off his legs. I think he's about 100 pounds heavier (than me).

So, you don't like my idea?
No, I don't like your idea.

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