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A Book Review: American Son Oscar De La Hoya with Steve Springer

posted by Kathleen Holland on July 2, 2008, in Punch Lines By Judi Abate

By Judi Abate
Boxing Diva

It will come as no surprise to anyone who knows me or reads my articles on this site that my favorite boxer in the world is Oscar De La Hoya. Oscar is the most celebrated fighter in the history of boxing with winning 6 world titles at 130,135,140,147,154, and 160 as well as Olympic gold during the span of his career. In my opinion, he has definitely engraved a positive mark upon the sport of boxing.

So it doesn't take rocket science to assume I would run out and get Oscar's book the minute it was available. Which I did, and proceeded to read all 268 pages in less than 36 hours. In the past, I have been guilty of reading an unauthorized bio of Oscar and let there be no discussion the "real one" is much better. Oscar's book does not disappoint.

Whether you are a fan of Oscar's, a boxing fan, a history buff or business man you will get your money's worth reading this incredible story as you journey along to discover and understand the life and times of Oscar, the "American Son."

What I especially enjoyed about this story was the insightful circumstances into each and every bout Oscar has fought from the Olympics to his past fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. Watching these fights as a fan was exciting but seeing these fights through Oscar's eyes is priceless. Another fine point of the book was a glimpse into Oscar's family background and the stories from his youth. They were sometimes amusing, sometimes sad but on the most part happy. Yes, Oscar is America's Son but his road to that dream wasn't always golden.

Oscar also exposes us to his mistakes on boxing decisions and life issues and shows how he has learned from them and became the person he was meant to be and that would have made his mother proud.

This book was an excellent read-fast-moving, action-packed and above all genuine. For Oscar fans this is a must read. For Oscar naysayers , this book might not change your opinion of the greatest boxer in the world but it will show you a side of Oscar, the man, you will be able to relate to and respect.

I loved this book not just because it was about Oscar but for the inspirational message that is woven throughout it's pages. Oscar speaks to all who believe they are stuck in unfortunate circumstances and need a beacon of hope to show them the way in taking that first step to success. Oscar shows us by his example, that if you set goals, even a very small one and keep moving forward until you achieve that goal you will always be a winner in life and you don't necesserarily need a pair of boxing gloves to do so. I highly recommend this book to all boxing fans out there. It's a great story with a great message.

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