Oscar De La Hoya: Golden Boy’s blueprint for success beyond boxing

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Oscar De La Hoya and Ike Quartey's legendary clash – an electrifying bout that etched itself into the annals of boxing history. 

On that night in February 1999, De La Hoya narrowly bested his Ghanaian rival in a fight that could have gone either way, a nail-biter that left fans on the edge of 
their seats.

However, while that epic showdown will forever be remembered for its intensity, the trajectories of the fighters in the years that followed tell an equally compelling story. 

For De La Hoya, the win was just the beginning of a meteoric rise that would see him not only conquer the ring but also thrive in the business world. 

Meanwhile, Quartey, despite a lucrative career in the ring, has had a modest post-retirement journey, with some investments but few of the monumental ventures his American counterpart has achieved.

De La Hoya’s career as a promoter has matched his success as a fighter, where he won six titles across various weight divisions and fought many of boxing's most famous names. 

Beyond the ring, the Mexican-American fighter has proven just as shrewd, with Los Angeles-based Golden Boy Promotions emerging as a heavyweight in boxing promotion. 

De La Hoya’s vision for Golden Boy, based in Los Angeles, has set the company apart with its ability to secure high-profile fighters and lucrative deals. 

He has guided the careers of boxers such as Canelo Alvarez, with whom he famously signed a five-year, $365 million deal, one of the largest sports contracts in history, in collaboration with Top Rank Boxing.

As of 2024, De La Hoya’s net worth is estimated at a staggering $200 million, according to CelebrityNetWorth. 

This wealth represents not only his success in the ring but also his savvy as an entrepreneur and promoter, building a financial empire that few could have predicted.

Beyond his promotion empire, De La Hoya’s wealth and business acumen are reflected in his ventures across sports and real estate. 

Today, his portfolio includes a 25% stake in the Major League Soccer team Houston Dynamo, multiple luxury properties, and commercial buildings. 

He’s also eyeing future growth for Golden Boy Promotions through innovative projects, such as streaming archived boxing content on a free ad-supported channel and exploring high-tech enhancements for live fights. 

De La Hoya’s 2024 estimated net worth of around $200 million speaks volumes about his foresight and determination to build a multi-faceted empire outside the boxing ring.

Ike Quartey

In contrast, Quartey’s ventures after hanging up his gloves reflect a quieter path. 

Known for his granite-hard style, Quartey had an imposing career, often defined by his powerful jab and impressive knockout record. 

He held the IBF title and entered the De La Hoya bout as the feared WBC welterweight champion at 29, confidently expecting to be the one to hand De La Hoya his first professional loss. 

But while he earned his place in boxing history, his efforts to make a mark as a promoter and businessman have encountered mixed success.

After retiring, Quartey launched Jumus Promotions, later renamed Bazooka Promotions after his own nickname, in a bid to develop boxing talent in Ghana. 

Though it organised several fights and even managed promising boxers such as 2020 Olympic medallist, Samuel Takyi, the venture has not matched the impact or financial success of Golden Boy Promotions. 

Bazooka Promotions’ recent parting with Takyi in 2023 is just one of the challenges Quartey has faced in his attempts to make his mark outside the ring. 

His former role as Technical Director of the Ghana Boxing Authority highlighted his commitment to Ghana’s boxing scene, but the venture’s inconsistency has limited its success.

Beyond boxing

Beyond boxing, Quartey’s financial pursuits have been relatively low-key. He has invested in real estate, owning properties in some of Accra's affluent areas, including two hotels in Dansoman and North Kaneshie, and an office complex. 

However, his dream project—a hospital in Gbawe, Accra—has been at a standstill for nearly 18 years. Sitting on 12 plots of land, the unfinished hospital reflects both his ambition and the financial hurdles he’s faced in bringing his vision to life. 

Recently, however, Quartey has initiated discussions with potential investors from South Africa in hopes of reviving the project.

In sharp contrast to Quartey’s struggles, De La Hoya’s extensive charitable work highlights a dedication to giving back. 

His Oscar De La Hoya Foundation, founded over 21 years ago, focuses on healthcare and educational initiatives, particularly in underprivileged communities. 

Named in honour of his late mother, the Cecilia Gonzalez De La Hoya Cancer Centre is a testament to his commitment to helping others. 

Alongside the cancer centre, he has funded the construction of a neonatal intensive care unit and a high school to support disadvantaged youth. 

Although these endeavours do not add to his net worth, they showcase his intent to leave a lasting legacy beyond boxing and business.

Moreover, De La Hoya’s future-focused investments show no signs of slowing down. Alongside his ongoing real estate deals, he’s exploring technological innovations for boxing, such as introducing sensor-equipped gloves to track fighters’ stats, which could revolutionise judging systems and fan engagement. 

Collaborations with Ring Magazine and other media initiatives also reveal De La Hoya’s commitment to growing the sport in innovative ways. 

With a seasoned team, including his childhood friend and Golden Boy President, Eric Gomez, he continues to expand his business portfolio, displaying the same drive that once defined his boxing career.

De La Hoya’s story resonates with a broader narrative in sports: the potential for fame to transcend the confines of the playing field. 

His path underscores the importance of seizing control of one’s brand, reinvesting wisely and building a legacy that continues to pay dividends.