HBO Original two-part documentary THE GOLDEN BOY, directed by award-winning filmmaker Fernando Villena (HBO’s “Dear Rider” and “Any One of Us”), debuts MONDAY, JULY 24 (9:00 p.m. ET/PT), followed by part two on July 25 at the same time on HBO. Both episodes will be available to stream on Max beginning July 24 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. THE GOLDEN BOY had its world premiere at the 2023 Tribeca Festival.
Synopsis: As a young man, Oscar De La Hoya was an Olympic boxing gold medalist, a multi-world title-winning professional boxer, a hometown hero and a role model to his Mexican-American community in East Los Angeles. Nicknamed “The Golden Boy,” De La Hoya, with his good looks, electric charisma, and heartfelt story of winning Olympic gold for his dying mother, rocketed to national prominence as a superstar both in and outside the ring. Yet, all was not what it appeared to be behind that polished facade.
Told in De La Hoya’s own words through a series of candid interviews with him and those closest to him, and featuring rare archival footage, THE GOLDEN BOY peels back the layers of this celebrated yet complicated figure, exploring his triumphs and turmoil to reveal a man struggling to come to terms with lifelong demons and the impossible burden of a nickname he couldn’t live up to.
Episode Descriptions:
Part I
Debut date: MONDAY, JULY 24 (9:00 p.m. ET/PT)
Part I details the rise of the young boxing phenom from East Los Angeles, whose hardscrabble upbringing and story of a promise to his dying mother while preparing for the Olympics make him a media sensation. As a professional, Oscar De La Hoya soon becomes a bona fide superstar, winning multiple world titles and earning recognition as one of the best fighters in the world. Outside the ring, De La Hoya’s charm and crossover appeal cement his place in popular culture. But despite his numerous accolades and immense popularity, the turmoil lurking beneath the surface threatens to implode his carefully crafted public persona.
Part II
Debut date: TUESDAY, JULY 25 (9:00 p.m. ET/PT)
Part II chronicles the growth of Oscar De La Hoya’s boxing empire with the founding of Golden Boy Promotions as well as his foray into entertainment with the launch of an album of Latin pop music. But his self-destructive behavior continues to damage his public image and throw his personal life into disarray. As De La Hoya finally begins to take stock of his life and relationships, he looks to find forgiveness for the damage left in his wake.
Featured Participants: Alongside Oscar De La Hoya’s raw and intimate interview is insightful commentary from family, friends and associates including: father Joel De La Hoya Sr., sister Cecilia De La Hoya, brother Joel De La Hoya Jr., children Atiana De La Hoya, Jacob De La Hoya, Devon De La Hoya, former fiancée Shanna Moakler, childhood friend/business partner Eric Gomez, former trainer Jesus Rivero, boxing promoter Bob Arum, boxing legend Bernard Hopkins, and his former mistress Milana Dravnel.
Credits: HBO Sports Documentaries presents An Unrealistic Ideas Production in association with ViaMar Productions and Universal Television Alternative Studio (UTAS). Directed by Fernando Villena; executive produced by Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson, Archie Gips, Mario Lopez, Jeffrey Stearns, David Wendell. For HBO: executive producers, Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller, and Bentley Weiner; coordinating producer, Abtin Motia.