Inside the Whirlwind Romance of Oscar De La Hoya and Holly Sonders: A Love Story in Pictures
Oscar De La Hoya and Holly Sonders' love story blossomed after his separation from Millie Corretjer, marking a new chapter in their relationship that spanned from 2021 to 2023
Holly Sonders, Oscar De La Hoya Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/Splash News / SplashNews.com
Oscar De La Hoya, while reflecting on his controversial past in the documentary The Golden Boy, is accompanied by his current girlfriend, Holly Sonders.
Following his separation from Millie Corretjer, the retired boxer began a relationship with Sonders. After a 15-year marriage, the former couple, who have a son named Oscar Jr. and daughters named Nina and Victoria, officially filed for divorce in January 2023.
2021
In the meantime, De La Hoya, who is also the father of Jacob (with his ex-girlfriend Toni Alvarado), Devon (with his former fling Angelique McQueen), and Atiana (with his ex-fiancée Shanna Moakler), began a relationship with Sonders.
Sonders, a former sports broadcaster, and De La Hoya, met at a boxing match in June 2021 while she was conducting athlete interviews. Their first date was observed two months later.
Their relationship took a significant turn in November 2021 when De La Hoya and Sonders made it official on Instagram. In that same month, Sonders proudly revealed her newly acquired tattoo, honoring De La Hoya's gold medal achievement at the 1992 Summer Olympics.
2022
: "A Meaningful Tribute to Oscar's Golden Achievements""Dear Oscar, you possess all the riches of life, leaving me with nothing to offer you that you have not already received... except for this," she captioned the reveal. "This tattoo symbolizes the unforgettable day when you transformed into The Golden Boy. It represents the precious moment when you proudly claimed the gold medal at the 1992 Olympics, all while glancing up at your mother who had departed just a few months earlier. When contemplating the perfect artist to immortalize this significant memory, there was never a doubt in my mind that it should be your sister's husband, @tattooesteban. My affection for you knows no bounds, @oscardelahoya."
De La Hoya faced two sexual assault allegations during his successful career in the 90s, which he vehemently denied. However, in 2022, he faced another wave of controversy when a former colleague accused him of sexually assaulting her on two occasions during a trip to Mexico in 2020. The outcome of the 2022 lawsuit is currently unknown.
Despite the accusations, Sonders stood by De La Hoya's side as he refuted the claims. In a statement to the Los Angeles Times, De La Hoya expressed his belief that in today's constant news coverage, baseless and unjust allegations often gain traction without proper evidence. He expressed confidence in his legal team's ability to resolve the matter and prove his innocence.
That December, Sonders and De La Hoya joyfully celebrated their second Christmas together. "Our bond continues to strengthen, and we cherish the love, peace, and the ability to recognize what truly matters and brings us happiness. May you all find your own happiness, without hesitation or waste of time," she expressed through her heartfelt Instagram post. "I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone in Oscar's inner circle who has warmly embraced me as a part of their family. I love you all."
Courtesy of Holly Sonders/Instagram
2023
De La Hoya wrote a lengthy tribute to Sonders on her 36th birthday, calling her girlfriend “the most caring, sweetest, and selfless person.”
“I admire you for countless reasons, but what truly sets you apart is your heart. You are a genuine one-of-a-kind individual, not just because of your undeniable attractiveness, but also due to the multitude of other exceptional qualities that radiate from your heart. Your treatment of others with respect and kindness speaks volumes about your character,” he wrote. “You took the time to truly understand me and care for me. You consistently go above and beyond to prioritize my well-being and make me feel like royalty. Your selflessness knows no bounds, and I am genuinely grateful for everything you do not just for me, but for everyone around you. My love for you knows no limits, and I am proud to say that what we share is truly unique. You are my legacy, and I promise to cherish and protect your heart for eternity. Te amo Holly (Boobi) ️️️️.”
Janet Mayer / SplashNews.com
In July, HBO released De La Hoya's documentary, titled The Golden Boy. Although Sonders did not make an appearance, she expressed her support for him amidst Moakler discussing his multiple affairs. She congratulated De La Hoya on his successful documentary promotion week in NYC and praised him as a true star. Sonders considered herself fortunate to have him in her life.
