During an interview this week, boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya revealed he actually hoped to die inside the ring during his final fight in 2008 against Manny Pacquiao.
For younger fans, Oscar De La Hoya is known as the promoter of powerhouse company Golden Boy Promotions. However, for previous generations, he is one of the best fighters of the 1990s and early 2000s. But not only did he win many titles, he faced many of the top pugilists of his era.
There is no better proof of his willingness to take on all comers when he faced boxing icons Bernard Hopkins, Floyd Mayweather, and Manny Pacquiao in three of his final five fights. All of them were losses but the one to the Filipino legend stands out for many because it brought a sad ending to his Hall-of-Fame career.
However, in an interview with Shannon Sharpe on his “Club Shay Shay” podcast this week, De La Hoya claimed he also wanted his life to end during that December 2008 bout.
Oscar De La Hoya record: 39-6 (30 knockouts)
Oscar De La Hoya wished for death during loss to Manny Pacquiao?
“I wanted to die in that ring. In the seventh [or] eighth round everybody wanted to stop it,” De La Hoya said. “Including the referee and trainer, and I said, ‘No, I want one more .’ Because in my head I was thinking maybe if he punches me maybe I won’t wake up.”
It is a shocking revelation from one of the most popular fighters of all time. But the “Golden Boy” claims that being at a low point in his life and knowing his career was over is what led to those very dark thoughts.
“I wanted my whole life to die. The life I was living at the time. Having to go through rehabs. Having to go through all this fame, and money, and women, and this and that. It was just overwhelming, and now I can’t perform?” he said. “Now, I don’t have the last thing that I love. That I worked so hard for. I don’t have it anymore. So just end it here. In the middle of the ring. Just punch me so I could die.”
Oscar De La Hoya’s battle with alcoholism is well-documented. But it seems like the 51-year-old is now in a very good place in his life and as happy and open as ever.
Related: Oscar De La Hoya Latest To Trash On ‘Ducknelo’ Canelo Alvarez
