De La Hoya enters rehab for unspecified reasons
The boxing world was still buzzing Sunday over news that Oscar De La Hoya had checked himself into a California rehabilitation clinic.
De La Hoya, a former six-time world champion and 1992 Olympic gold medalist, is president of Golden Boy Promotions. He hasn't fought since being stopped by Manny Pacquiao on Dec. 6, 2008, at the MGM Grand Garden.
TMZ.com first reported Saturday that De La Hoya had gone into rehab at an undisclosed location for unspecified reasons. De La Hoya did not attend the WBC world light heavyweight title fight between Bernard Hopkins and Jean Pascal on Saturday in Montreal.
Richard Schaefer, chief executive officer of Golden Boy, could not be reached for comment Sunday after confirming Saturday that De La Hoya was in rehab.
Those in boxing were stunned by the news.
"I had no idea," said Top Rank president Todd duBoef, whose relationship with De La Hoya goes back to when the fighter signed with Top Rank after winning gold at the Barcelona Olympics. "When I heard the news, I was stunned.
"Obviously, you hope he can get through whatever it is he's dealing with and that he comes out of it well."
Freddie Roach, who trains Pacquiao and once trained De La Hoya, also was caught off-guard.
"I was kind of shocked," Roach said. "But people go through things in life. I hope he gets well soon."
Roach, who trains several fighters with connections to Golden Boy, most notably WBA junior welterweight champion Amir Khan, said he doesn't think De La Hoya's problems will impact his fighters.
"There are enough people there at Golden Boy to deal with the business stuff," Roach said.
In a statement released Saturday by Golden Boy, De La Hoya said: "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."
Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow him on Twitter: @stevecarprj.
