Boxing legend Oscar de la Hoya, who has a storied ring career and a history of performing community service, recently added a new title to his list of accomplishments – USO celebrity volunteer. The 1992 Olympic Gold Medalist and former 10-Time World Champion in six weight divisions is currently participating in his first USO/Armed Forces Entertainment tour to the Middle East. Joining De La Hoya are some of boxing’s most exciting up-and-coming fighters in Adrien Broner, Danny Jacobs and Seth Mitchell.
The group kicked off their tour by lifting the spirits of more than 500 service members stationed in Kuwait. Busy signing autographs, sharing boxing techniques and extending their appreciation to America’s heroes, so far the fighters have visited Camp Arifjan and are scheduled to visit more bases over the next few days. This is the first USO tour for all four boxers.
De La Hoya earned the nickname “The Golden Boy” after taking home a gold medal at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. Additionally, the acclaimed boxer is a ten-time world champion in six weight divisions including junior lightweight, lightweight, junior welterweight, welterweight, junior middleweight and middleweight. De La Hoya, who currently serves as President of Golden Boy Promotions and counts his Los-Angeles based Oscar de la Hoya Amino High School, the Cecilia Gonzalez de la Hoya Cancer Center and the Oscar de la Hoya Children’s Medical Center, both located at the White Memorial Hospital, as several of his many community projects.
Broner, an undefeated lightweight from Cincinnati, Ohio, holds a 20-0 record with 16 knockouts. On March 5, 2011, he scored his most impressive victory to date in capturing the vacant WBO Inter-Continental Lightweight title by defeating former World Champion Daniel Ponce De Leon.
Jacobs, from Brooklyn, New York and a 2003 Junior Olympics National Boxing Champion, currently holds a 22-1 record with 19 knockouts. He has held both the North American Boxing Organization as well as the North American Boxing Federation middleweight titles.
Mitchell, from Brandywine Maryland, is undefeated as a heavyweight and a former standout Michigan State linebacker. He holds a 21-0-1 record with 14 knockouts. In his most recent fight on March 5, 2011, he shut down his opponent Chales Davis in under two rounds, further proving himself to be the United States’ best hope for a heavyweight world champion, the most recognized position in the sport.
Quotes from the Fighters
Oscar de la Hoya:
“As a professional boxer I know what it’s like to have your mind and body pushed to the limit, and can relate to how our troops must feel. The difference is when they are out here fighting for us, they don’t get a break between rounds or to rest between fights, as they are on call and ready to defend our country at a moment’s notice. This USO tour is an eye-opening and very humbling experience for me. I can’t believe what sacrifices these guys are making and I only hope they know how much I appreciate their service.”
Adrien Broner:
“I’m a fighter, I get paid to take a hit but I’ve met some ‘real’ fighters out here on my USO tour. I have to admit, compared to what I have learned our troops go through every day, I think my kind of toughness is different from theirs. I don’t think I know anyone as tough as they are.”
Danny Jacobs:
“Man, what an experience! I didn’t know what to expect on this USO tour, but now that I’ve been here for a few days, all I can say is ‘WOW!’ I’ve met some unforgettable people that are doing so much over here and am looking forward to meeting even more.”
Seth Mitchell:
“I have nothing but respect for our men and women in uniform and I thank the USO for giving me the opportunity to go out and show them my appreciation. So far, this tour has been awesome and I can’t wait to return back home and tell everyone about it.”
