Oscar De La Hoya Admits He Hit Rock Bottom

In a TV interview, former boxing champ Oscar De La Hoya said he hit bottom after he retired from the sport in 2009.  While it’s not unusual for sports figures to have difficulty adjusting to life once they retire, De La Hoya’s life really went into the dumper.  He admitted to drug and alcohol abuse, infidelity, and even thoughts of suicide.

Fortunately, he received treatment and rehab for his addictions at the Betty Ford Clinic earlier this year.   After a trial separation, he and his wife are back together.  He says he has joined Alcoholics Anonymous and has been sober for three months.

De La Hoya won a gold medal in the 1992 Olympics, and made his professional debut later that year.  He won his first 31 professional fights, and won world titles in multiple weight divisions over the course of his career.  His last match was in December 2008 when he lost to Manny Pacquiao.  He ended his career with a record of 39-6.  He has had various business interests since his retirement as a boxer and hopes his life can get back to normal now.  Looks like he’s on the way back.