Growing up in the shadow of a legend is a specific kind of heavy. For Devon De La Hoya, that shadow wasn't just figurative; it was literal, projected onto a TV screen in a living room while his father, the iconic Oscar De La Hoya, fought for world titles thousands of miles away. Most people see the last name and assume "silver spoon." They imagine mansions, ringside seats, and an open door to the boxing elite.
But honestly? The reality for Devon was a lot more complicated—and a lot lonelier—than the tabloids ever let on.
The Reality of Growing Up a De La Hoya
Devon was born on November 30, 1998, to Oscar and Angelicque McQueen. If you're doing the math, that's just nine months after Oscar's first son, Jacob, was born to a different mother. The late '90s were a whirlwind for the "Golden Boy," but for Devon, that whirlwind mostly happened somewhere else.
He didn't grow up with a dad who played catch in the backyard. In fact, he’s been remarkably open about the fact that Oscar was largely an "absentee father" during his childhood. Devon basically grew up watching his dad on YouTube or through the television.
"He raised me through a screen, almost," Devon once shared in a moment of raw honesty. Think about that for a second. You’re at school, and kids are teasing you or calling you a "spoiled brat" because your dad is a multi-millionaire superstar, yet you haven't actually spoken to the man in months. Or years.
He had the name, but he didn't have the person.
Why Devon De La Hoya Stepped Into the Ring
A lot of people think Devon started boxing because he wanted to be famous. That's not it. If you look at his history, it's pretty clear he picked up the gloves to find a connection. It was a way to speak a language his father understood.
He wasn't just some kid playing around, either. Devon actually put in the work.
- 2017: He fought in the 3rd annual WBC Green Belt Challenge.
- The Match: He faced Alejandro Martinez in a bout that showed he actually had the grit, not just the genetics.
- The Debut: He made his professional boxing debut in 2018.
Watching him fight, you see flashes of Oscar—the stance, the rhythm—but Devon’s journey was never about 10-part pay-per-view deals. It was about identity. He once mentioned that while he lived in Las Vegas, things got "messy" and time just slipped away. When you’re trying to build a career in the same sport where your father is a literal deity, the pressure is suffocating.
By 2024 and 2025, Devon's focus seemed to shift. While he’s still involved in the boxing world—BoxRec even lists him with a "matchmaker" ID—he has branched out into other areas of the industry. He’s seen more often now at high-profile events, not as the main event, but as a man navigating the business side of the sport.
The Sibling Bond That Saved Him
One of the coolest, and honestly most surprising, parts of Devon’s story is how he connected with his siblings. Because Oscar had children with several different women (Jacob, Atiana, Devon, and later three children with Millie Corretjer), the family tree was fragmented.
Devon and his half-sister Atiana De La Hoya didn't even meet until they were older. They actually met for the first time on a flight. Can you imagine? Discovering you have a sibling who understands exactly what you're going through while 30,000 feet in the air.
They bonded over the shared trauma of having a "TV dad." They realized they weren't alone. Today, Devon, Atiana, and Jacob are remarkably close. They formed their own family unit when the traditional one wasn't available. It’s a testament to Devon’s character that he chose connection over resentment.
What's Devon Doing Now in 2026?
If you're looking for Devon De La Hoya on the 2026 fight cards, you might be looking in the wrong place. While he hasn't completely walked away from the sport—boxing is in his DNA, after all—he has focused more on his personal life and his role as an animal advocate.
He’s a huge pit bull lover. At one point, he was caring for six of them. He’s spent a significant amount of time fostering dogs and advocating for breeds that are often misunderstood—sorta like how he felt misunderstood as a kid.
Relationship-wise, things with Oscar have improved. They’ve been spotted at fights together, and Oscar has publicly called Devon a "man I’m proud of." It’s not a perfect Hallmark movie ending, but it’s real progress.
Key Takeaways from Devon's Journey:
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- Wealth doesn't equal presence. Devon had the "Golden Boy" brand but lived a very modest life with his mother, Angelicque.
- Boxing was a bridge. His time in the ring was less about a world title and more about understanding his roots.
- Sibling support is vital. He found his strongest allies in his half-siblings, proving family is what you make it.
- Forgiveness is a process. He chose to reach out to his father on Instagram to bridge the gap, showing a level of maturity most people don't have in their 20s.
Devon De La Hoya isn't just a "junior" or a "sequel." He’s a guy who took a very public, very complicated family situation and decided to define himself on his own terms. Whether he’s matchmaking a fight or rescuing a dog, he’s doing it as Devon, not just "Oscar’s son."
If you want to follow Devon's current path, the best way is to keep an eye on his involvement with Golden Boy Promotions' younger talent. He often provides a unique perspective for rising fighters who are dealing with the sudden weight of fame—something he knows better than almost anyone. Focus on his work with animal rescue organizations in the Los Angeles and Las Vegas areas, as that remains his true passion outside the ring.