Oscar: The People’s Champ!

De La Hoya at the Mayweather-Marquez Press Conference

“Oscar, Oscar, Oscar!” chanted the lineup of loyal fans who waited under the blistering sun to catch a glimpse of their hero, Oscar De La Hoya. There were men, women, and children all calling out the boxing icon’s name over and over while holding out photos, magazines, and boxing gloves in hopes of a prized signature from the former champ.

The onlookers had gathered at the Central Library in downtown L.A. for Monday’s press conference announcing the Floyd Mayweather-Juan Manuel Marquez matchup touted as “Number One/Numero Uno,” which will take place on July 18 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. While taking nothing away from Floyd or Juan Manuel, for the fans, there was only one “Number One” boxer. In the hearts and minds of the fans, their #1 fighter is the one and only Golden Boy.

In the stifling afternoon heat, De La Hoya was clearly the fan favorite amongst the hundreds who risked sunburns for the chance to be near their idol. Oscar, who recently announced his retirement from the ring, seemed to be appreciative of all the attention from the local Angelenos in attendance.

Since December’s bout against “Pacman the Destroyer,” De La Hoya has received a lion’s share of criticism. Say what you will about him, you gotta hand him the title of the “People’s Champ.” Five months after this last bout, the corp of loyal boxing fans made their voices heard loud and clear that Oscar still, and perhaps always will, wear the crown of “The People’s Champion.”

Growing up in nearby East L.A., De La Hoya has been involved with the Latino community since his Olympic Gold Medalist days. The entrepreneur has parlayed his success to the betterment of the city. He has a charitable organization and has donated millions back into the community. There is even a charter high school named after the boxer and benefactor. Through the years, the welterweight has owned a gym, released a Grammy-nominated album, became a top fight promoter with his Golden Boy Promotions and more.

For many people and countless fans in L.A., he’s someone who started out just like them with humble beginnings–the local boy done good. De La Hoya has also become an icon to them, bigger than life. He can do no wrong in the eyes of his adoring public. In fact, it probably wouldn’t have surprised any of the fans who gathered around their hero, if Oscar were to walk on water!

And at times, De La Hoya did indeed appear superhuman. On this sweltering afternoon, with shade at a minimum and everyone else around him dripping with sweat, the Golden Boy somehow stayed cool and dry in his crisp white shirt and gray suit. While others mopped up their brows fully drenched in sweat, not one bead of perspiration ever seemed to materialize on Oscar’s famous mug! While everybody else baked, roasted and fried in the fun, the golden one was cool as a cucumber. A superhuman feat!

He may not have soaked up the sun, but he definitely soaked up the love from the fans. To the throngs of people, who packed the sides of the dais where Oscar sat, they had nothing but love for the 10-time former World Champion. Claiming victories over Julio Cesar Chavez, Ricardo Mayorga, Fernando Vargas, Arturo Gatti, Pernell Whitaker, and Floyd Jr.’s uncle Jeff Mayweather, De La Hoya has built a crossover appeal that can’t be denied.

There’s not too many sports stars who get as much universal attention as De La Hoya. In L.A., Kobe Bryant of the Lakers just may be the only one who could possibly give Oscar any competition. Maybe that could be a future bout: “The Purple and Gold” vs. “The Golden Boy”!

After all the introductions and speeches on stage were completed, Oscar then took time to make his legions of fans happy. He was appreciative of their support and going southpaw, signed whatever item was thrust at him. As the fans swarmed him, he answered questions, joked with the crowd and posed with every toddler held out by parents wanting to get that golden photo op.

One by one, the fans all clamored for a brief moment with their favorite boxer. “Hey, Oscar, remember we met you a couple of years ago?” one couple called out. “Oh yeah! How ya doin’?” he replied. Another mentioned a schoolmate they had in comment, back in East L.A., and De La Hoya acknowledged their mutual acquaintance. For many, they grew up watching Oscar achieve world-wide fame, yet they still feel a connection to their local hero.

He even laughed out loud when one guy told him, “Oscar, you look just like Erik Estrada!” Seeming to remember the popular ’70s series “CHiPs,” De La Hoya–with a big grin–cracked up and said, “Ponch? You think I look like Poncherello? That’s cool!”

Still chuckling, he then went back to autographing boxing gloves, foam fingers, t-shirts and even a $10 bill one fan had him sign. Surrounded by the crowd, the people’s champ shined in the spotlight. At one point, when one man asked for a picture, Oscar even grabbed the camera himself and snapped a photo of the two of them to the delight of the fans.

The City of Angels held a special election yesterday afternoon and the California candidates should thank their lucky stars that the name De La Hoya wasn’t on the ballot. If all his loyal fans voted, you’d have to add “politician” to the fighter’s résumé!

Slowly making his way toward the café on site, Oscar left a trail of satisfied fans. Scheduled for an on-camera interview, De La Hoya finally had to leave the fan mass as he headed into the restaurant. “Oscar, Oscar, Oscar, Thank You, Oscar” was the chorus heard from the people as he left to begin the interview.

You can never underestimate the power of the people. Earlier on the dais, both Floyd Mayweather and Juan Manuel Marquez each gave props to the fans. Addressing the upcoming July 18 bout, both fighters credited the loyalty of true boxing fans.

“My fans here and all of my fans in Mexico will help me come out on top,” stated Marquez. “The support they have showed today and at the fan rally yesterday has been amazing.”

Mayweather also gave the fans plenty of respect, “I’ve got nothing but love for the Mexican fans; they are some of the most loyal fans in boxing. Mexican fans really know boxing inside and out.”

And inside or out of boxing, the Golden Boy’s superstar star status remains secure. The fans have spoken.

With absolutely no disrespect to fellow Golden Boy Promotions fighter Ricky Hatton and the song that follows the Hitman, “There’s only one Ricky Hatton,” in L.A. those lyrics would certainly be different.

The tune would go like this: “There’s only one…De La Hoya!”

Photos by Michele Chong