“When people say I can’t or I mustn’t, I always say I can and I will.” Guided by this mantra, boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya left an indelible mark on the sport. Today, he stands as a prominent boxing promoter, taking strategic jabs at rivals like Zuffa’s Dana White and offering advice to rising stars such as Ryan Garcia on how to navigate the spotlight. However, there was a time when De La Hoya was an unstoppable force in the ring.

Having squared off against elite opponents, including Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, Oscar De La Hoya retired in 2008 at the age of 35, thereby concluding a professional record of 45 fights with 39 victories. Years after hanging up his gloves, UFC commentator Joe Rogan revisited De La Hoya’s journey, examining the factors that cemented his status as one of boxing’s most formidable figures.

Joe Rogan highlights what made Oscar De La Hoya a boxing icon

UFC commentator and podcaster Joe Rogan recently welcomed standout comedian Sal Vulcano on his show, and the conversation ranged across multiple topics before turning to boxing technique. They explored how boxing largely favors orthodox fighters and highlighted the unique challenges coaches face when training a southpaw like Oscar De La Hoya.

“You have to decide: either you’re going to teach this kid f–k up and teach him left-hand first,” Joe Rogan explained, “which some people actually think is a benefit, right? In fact, some great boxers have done that—Oscar De La Hoya fought dominant hand first. There are a few guys who have done that: if they’re right-handed, they’ll put their right hand in front.”

Rogan also emphasized the benefits of training the non-dominant side, noting that it not only strengthens that side but also reinforces the dominant hand, making fighters more versatile and better able to adapt their game against both southpaws and orthodox opponents. He elaborated: “But for the most part, you would want to teach that kid how to fight as a southpaw, which means you have to reverse everything, right? If your technique is off and you’re showing them how to do something incorrectly, then the kid has to learn things from his stance, watch you, and just duplicate it — like mirror it from the other side.”

Joe Rogan’s insight aligns perfectly with Oscar De La Hoya’s unique approach, as he famously maintained an orthodox stance despite being naturally left-handed. ‘The Golden Boy’ began his boxing journey at the Resurrection Boys Club, under Alfred “Stankie” Stankiewicz, where he captured an Olympic medal. As his career progressed, he worked with several prominent trainers, including Roberto Alcazar and Floyd Mayweather Sr.

He went on to claim titles in both the super welterweight and middleweight divisions, and in the later stages of his career, he trained under Freddie Roach, whose expertise helped refine and elevate his skills even further.

Who does Oscar De La Hoya consider his best coach?

Oscar De La Hoya’s career in its later years never matched the dominance of his prime. Examining the record of the American-Mexican icon, his decline began in his early 30s, after he suffered two significant losses. The challenges intensified in his mid-30s, when he posted four losses and just three wins. The most notable setback came against Floyd Mayweather Jr..

Yet, for Oscar De La Hoya, these late-career struggles did little to overshadow his remarkable legacy. By 2021, he attempted a comeback that ultimately never came to fruition, but during a Q&A session with fans on Instagram, he was candid about his influences. For instance, when asked, “Was Big Floyd your best trainer?” The Golden Boy’ Hoya answered simply, “Yes.” This was not the first time he had acknowledged the role of Floyd Mayweather Sr.

Previously, back in 2019, he elaborated on why Mayweather Sr. stood out: “Sr. at the end of my career, like he gave me, he inspired me, he gave me motivation. I mean, he wouldn’t let me sleep in, you know. He would yell at me, I mean, but that’s what I needed. I mean, I was already established, and he did wonders for me so, I appreciate that he says that,” De La Hoya said.

Even Mayweather Sr. held De La Hoya in high regard and, at one point, invited the American-Mexican fighter to train alongside his son, Mayweather Jr. However, by that time, ‘The Golden Boy’s performance had already begun to wane. Ultimately, how do you view Oscar De La Hoya’s legacy in the sport? Share your thoughts below.