SULAIMAN SHOCKED OVER DE LA HOYA'S SUBSTANCE ABUSE
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 23 May 2011
?The Golden Boy? Oscar De La Hoya is undergoing rehabilitation for ?substance abuse? in a California facility and according to the website TMZ he did so voluntarily.
The sports and entertainment site which first reported De La Hoya?s problem said the owner of Golden Boy Promotions said he believes he will emerge "a stronger, healthier person."
The boxing world was in a state of minor shock over the news. World Boxing Council president Don Jose Sulaiman?s initial reaction in an overseas telephone conversation with the Daily Inquirer was ?Oh my God, is that right.?
Sulaiman noted that De La Hoya was not at the Bernard Hopkins-Jean Pascal fight in Montreal, Canada which was promoted by Golden Boy.
Sulaiman said ?many of the boxers come to a point when they get bored, he gets out of boxing and probably he got pushed into something like this. But what I respect and admire is that he took the decision to go into rehabilitation. That?s a very good sign. I hope he can control that.?
He said De La Hoya ?has such a future but if he continues with that addiction he will lose everything.?
Sulaiman noted that legendary Mexican Julio Cesar Chavez ?went into rehab for about eight months and he?s now back very well and we are very proud of him.?
Pound-for pound king Manny Pacquiao?s strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza told the Philippine Daily Inquirer ?that?s what happens when you are rich and you?re bored, you start to experiment.?
Ariza offered the explanation that De La Hoya ?has no motivation? and suggested that ?he should go into rehab, get cleaned up and get back into training maybe to fight (Julio Cesar) Chavez Jr.?
The strength and conditioning guru also said that De La Hoya probably hadn?t gotten over the bad beating he suffered at the hands of Pacquiao when De La Hoya quit on his stool after eight rounds and retired from boxing.
TMZ first reported that De La Hoya entered a rehab facility in California sometime within the last few weeks and was seeking help for substance abuse issues.
They quoted a source close to the boxing legend as saying De La Hoya "voluntarily commenced proactive treatment to address certain health and personal issues."
In a statement issued to TMZ , 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.?
He went on, ?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."
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
“FATAL FURY: CITY OF THE WOLVES” MEDIA WORKOUT
Wed, 30 Apr 2025WBC presents "Xicoténcatl" belt for the Canelo-Scull fight in Riyadh
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 30 Apr 2025Thailand to host WBC 63rd Annual Convention in Phuket in November
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 30 Apr 2025Naoya Inoue vs. Ramon Cardenas Fight Week Events to Stream LIVE on Top Rank’s Social Media Channels
Wed, 30 Apr 2025Raymond Muratalla: "I’m Ready to Show Out on May 10!"
Wed, 30 Apr 2025Training Camp Notes: Undefeated Lightweight Kaipo Gallegos Prepares for Clash with Pedro Castaneda Castro on May 9 in Orlando
Wed, 30 Apr 2025“THE KING OF THE FOUR ROUNDERS” ERIC “BUTTERBEAN” ESCH TO ATTEND 2025 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND
Wed, 30 Apr 2025Action Summary Week Ending 28 April 2025
By Eric Armit, Tue, 29 Apr 2025Butler, Green Show Up on Rockets in 109-106 Win
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 29 Apr 2025Jerusalem Leads Five Pinoys in Ring's Ratings; Japan Dominates the Lower Weights Class
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 29 Apr 2025Dableo Second in Sydney Standard Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 29 Apr 2025Dreamland: Where Filipino Fists Lit Up San Francisco Nights
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Mon, 28 Apr 2025IM Concio wins Victoria Sports Club Rapid Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 28 Apr 2025Tapales bags WBC International Silver super bantamweight title
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 28 Apr 2025Boston, NY and Minnesota One Win Away; Push Orlando, Detroit and LAL on Brink
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 28 Apr 2025