Former boxer and current promoter Oscar De La Hoya has reportedly entered drug rehab to address a substance abuse problem. TMZ issued the report and had very few details, noting only that he had entered a facility in California. Our guess is someone working at the rehab facility leaked the information which would be an extreme violation of privacy laws, but would confirm the story’s accuracy.
The report that De La Hoya has entered rehab for a drug problem is extremely shocking. Known as the Golden Boy, Oscar has always had an extremely squeaky-clean image both inside and outside the ring. He’s been highly successful in his business ventures since ending his fighting career with his only misstep coming when pictures of him in drag emerged, though his people claimed they were fake.
If Oscar is indeed in rehab for a drug problem, that would confirm there’s much more about him the public did not know. And maybe that’s to what Bob Arum was referring when he hammered Oscar with disparaging comments in February.
LBS has reached out to Golden Boy Promotions for comment on the report.
UPDATE: Going through De La Hoya’s twitter feed, he’s had some curious yet pensive tweets recently that could be indicative of a struggle he’s endured.
On May 12th, he wrote in successive tweets
It’s impossible to hide the truth.eventually your sins will be exposed.
We are alive.that’s all we can ask for.
Stop feeling sorry for your self and start feeling alive for those around you.
Honesty with yourself makes life guilty free.
It’s never to late to stop hating everything around you.
UPDATE II: De La Hoya has confirmed he entered rehab, telling TMZ in a statement
“After doing an honest evaluation of myself, I recognize that there are certain issues that I need to work on. Like everyone, I have my flaws, and I do not want to be one of those people that is afraid to admit and address those flaws.
“Throughout my career and my life, I have always met all challenges head-on, and this is no different. I am confident that with the support of my family and friends, I will become a stronger, healthier person.
“I ask for respect and privacy as my family and I go through this process.”
Needless to say, this all comes as a great shock to most fans.
