Oscar De La Hoya, the former boxing champion known for his prowess in the ring, has found himself facing significant challenges in the business realm. Two decades after acquiring a prominent office building in downtown Los Angeles, circumstances have shifted dramatically, raising concerns about financial stability and future prospects for both De La Hoya and his promotional company.
The Rise of a Business Empire
In 2004, as Oscar De La Hoya approached the twilight of his boxing career, he made a bold move by investing in a 12-story office building located at 626 Wilshire Boulevard in downtown Los Angeles. De La Hoya, alongside Golden Boy Promotions, purchased a controlling interest in the property for $16 million. At that time, the building was over 80% leased, situated in a prime location within the Financial District. The Barker Pacific Group, which sold the majority stake, retained a minority interest, as did the Rising Real Estate Group. This acquisition allowed Golden Boy Promotions to establish a physical presence, transforming the building into a dual-purpose space that represented De La Hoya’s ambitions beyond the boxing ring.
A Shifting Landscape
Fast forward to the present day, and the once-illustrious property has become a financial burden. With office demand plummeting in a post-pandemic environment, the occupancy rate of the building has dropped to around 60%. Alarmingly, De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions are reportedly in default on a $27 million commercial mortgage-backed securities loan associated with the property, raising the prospect of foreclosure.
After failing to meet the July 2025 maturity date, De La Hoya still owes approximately $23 million on the loan, which has since been transferred to special servicing. He is currently working to renegotiate the loan terms and extend the repayment deadline. Golden Boy Promotions remains one of the building’s key tenants, occupying roughly 10,500 square feet, or about 7% of the total space, but mere occupancy is insufficient to resolve the financial dilemmas.
Originally signed in 2015, the loan was based on an appraisal value of $40 million for the building. However, a recent 2025 appraisal has revealed a significant decline, valuing the property at just $19 million. This steep decrease underscores the challenges posed by the rise of remote work and corporate downsizing trends.
For the iconic boxer turned businessman, these hurdles mark yet another chapter in a career filled with high-risk decisions and calculated gambles. As De La Hoya navigates this unexpected turmoil, he finds himself once again in a familiar situation: cornered but determined to fight for another round in the world of business.
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