By Miguel Angel Cebreros, notifight.com
The pro debut of hot amateur Diego De La Hoya is being targeted for December. Born on August 13, 1994 in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico - the boxer known as "The Golden Kid" has had over 250 amateur fights and for over four years represented his country in international tournaments.
Diego, son of Paul De La Hoya, is the first cousin of former champion and Golden Boy Promotions President Oscar De La Hoya. Diego's father (Paul) is the brother of Mr. Joel De La Hoya (father of Oscar), and boxing has been in his blood since he was 6 years old in his native Mexicali.
Diego was detected as a rising star by the boxing talent scouts of the Mexican Olympic Committee in 2009, and was immediately recruited, and since then Mexico City was his second home. Diego had a great run in amateur boxing competitions held on 5 continents, in a number of countries, including five visits to tournaments in Cuba, where he had many triumphs.
The decision by Diego to venture to the professional ranks was for two reasons. The first, he could not reach the London Olympics after losing to hot Mexican prospect Oscar Valdez. And the second reason was that amateur fighters will now have to compete without head gear.
"If I'm getting in there without head gear, it will be for money and I'm getting paid," said an excited Diego De La Hoya.
Deigo will be under a five year pact with Golden Boy Promotions and his career will be handled by father Joel De La Hoya and cousin Joel De La Hoya Jr., who is Oscar's brother and a talent scout.