De La Hoya set to miss Mayweather-Alvarez mega fight after rushing in to rehab
Oscar De La Hoya has admitted himself into rehab at the start of a week in which he is supposed to be promoting the biggest fight of this century so far.The 40-year-old, the president of Golden Boy promotions, is battling well-documented alcohol and substance addiction problems but can now take no part in the Floyd Mayweather v Canelo Alvarez mega millions fight in Las Vegas this Saturday.
De La Hoya, the former multiple world champion, has indeed been the golden boy of boxing in Mexico, as well as America.
Rehab: Oscar De La Hoya is battling demons and will not be at the Mayweather-Alvarez fight on Saturday
The company named after him is now the biggest and most influential in this tough business and his personal reputation has survived his earlier admissions of addiction problems.
He seemed to have conquered his demons but is understood to have suffered a major relapse at the end of an exhausting several-cities tour to promote the world light-middleweight title bout in which Mayweather is guaranteed a minimum $41.5million.
There was sadness among the Golden Boy team as the news broke and chief executive Richard Schafer said: 'Our first thoughts are to wish Oscar well but obviously the show must go on.
'He had been doing so well and the first thing is for him to work through it again and come back all the stronger.
'I'm sure he can do that, he is a strong-willed guy. But maybe this time it might be better if he doesn't come back from treatment and dive straight back into the boxing.
'As we know, this is a tough business with a lot of influences around you, some of them bad.
Fight of the century (so far): Floyd Mayweather and Canelo Alvarez (below) in training for their bout
Canelo Alvarez
'The media tour might have had some bearing on this. When you're on the road there are even more temptations.
'This fight will still be the biggest event for many years but Oscar's recovery, his health and his family are priority.
‘Boxing can be tough for all those involved but it is especially difficult if you have an illness like this.’
De La Hoya has been vociferous in his conviction Alvarez, Mexico's potential heir to his Hispanic boxing throne, is the man to end Mayweather's unbeaten record.
In a statement, De La Hoya said: 'Canelo Alvarez and I have big fights coming up this weekend. His is in the ring and mine in treatment.
'I will not be at the fight this Saturday to cheer Canelo to victory since I have voluntarily admitted myself into a treatment facility.
'I explained this to Canelo and he understood that my health and long-term recovery from my disease must come first.
'Thank you for your understanding. I ask for your support and privacy during this difficult time for me and my family.'
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