By Luis Sandoval
Golden Boy Promotions President and founder Oscar De La Hoya gave the media and fans a surprise as he attended Saul “Canelo” Alvarez’s media workout in San Diego, CA. De La Hoya had not attended any boxing related events since he admitted himself into rehab last September but was on hand to support one of the biggest stars on his stable who fights March 8th against Alfredo Angulo at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV.
During his time off, De La Hoya tweeted Top Rank CEO Bob Arum in December to wish him and his family happy holidays. Arum would later confirm to BoxingScene that he spoke to De La Hoya on the phone and had a positive conversation.
When BoxingScene and others caught up with De La Hoya, he was asked if he felt there could be a thaw in the promotional cold war between both companies.
“Well look, all the animosity, all the bad words that have been going back and forth; there’s no need for it. Boxing is a sport that I dearly love and we’re both adults. Bob Arum did a lot for my career and I greatly appreciate it. I can honestly say that I love the guy because he’s someone who did a lot for my career and really catapulted my career and did a tremendous job in promoting my career. He’s a master at what he does” said De La Hoya.
De La Hoya’s positive approach to this ongoing situation appears to be a step in the right direction. While De La Hoya didn’t make any promises, he did say he would eventually sit down with Arum and believes both companies should work together to give the fans what they want.
“There’s no need for me personally to have any sort or type of animosity. And you know what, I will meet with Bob Arum one day and I will sit down with him and I do hope things get worked out and patched up because that’s what the fans need. The boxing fans want to see all these great fights happen. So hopefully one day it’ll happen” De La Hoya would tell BoxingScene.
De La Hoya greeted and interacted with fans and also gave interviews to the media in attendance. He was in great spirits and is looking forward to watching all the fights his company is putting on in the upcoming months as not just the President of his company, but as a fan.
You can follow Luis Sandoval on Twitter & Instagram @Truewest007.
