USO Tour Packs a Punch as Boxing’s Biggest Ambassador, Former Ten-Time World ChampionOscar de la Hoya Leads Team of Fightersto Visit Troops in Middle East
|
||
ARLINGTON, VA. (March 10, 2011) – 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. Details: · 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. · 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: “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.” Attributed to 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.” Attributed to 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.” Attributed to 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.” ![]() Olympic gold medalist and former 10-time world champion, Oscar De La Hoya (right) , helps tape up fellow boxer Adrien Broner as Seth Mitchell looks on at Area Support Group at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait on March 10, 2011. De La Hoya is in the region as part of his first USO tour to the Middle East and is joined by up-and-coming boxers Adrien Broner, Danny Jacobs, and Seth Mitchell. (USO Photo by Steve Manuel)
|

Danny Jacobs, American Soldier, Adrien Broner, & Oscar De La HoyaSeth Mitchel, Adrien Broner, Two American Soldiers, Oscar De La Hoya, American Soldier, Danny Jacobs

Olympic gold medalist and former 10-time world champion, Oscar De La Hoya (third from right) poses with U.S. soldiers from Area Support Group at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, on Thursday, March 10, 2011. De La Hoya is in the region as part of his first USO tour to the Middle East and is joined by up-and-coming boxers (left to right) Seth Mitchell, Adrien Broner, and Danny Jacobs (far right). (USO Photo by Steve Manuel)