MAIN Sports Sports Stars Oscar de la Hoya

In the headlines most recently - for reportedly posing for pictures as a cross-dresser in wig & high heels - the welterweight boxing champ's fans have been in a involved in a heated debate about their authenticity ever since the photos were first published in September 2007.

However, weeks later the story took an even more bizarre turn when a law-suit was filed by the one-time girlfriend of the Olympic boxing great who allegedly shot the pictures.

Milana Dravnel, who reportedly met De La Hoya at a strip club where she worked, claims she was coerced into an agreement with De la Hoya to recant her knowledge of the scandalous photos, and is now suing him for "a damaged public reputation."

Stay tuned ...

Oscar de la Hoya Bio

Born on February 4, 1973 in East Los Angeles, California, Oscar de la Hoya first rose to national prominence as the American welterweight boxer who won the gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games.

With the looks and charisma of a major rock star, de la Hoya went on to sign a $1 million dollar deal with promoter Bob Arum - winning 5 world titles and beating world champions at a clip - including Pernell Whitaker, Hector 'Macho' Camacho and Fernando Vargas in fights that became increasingly populated by screaming women fans.

Outside the ring, de la Hoya's interests have been chronicled in countless media interviews with focus on his interests outside the ring — including a foray into architecture, having designed his own house in Big Bear Lake, California.

In 2003, he became the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional firm, Golden Boy Promotions, and one of only a handful of boxers in history who have taken on promotional responsibilities while still active.

In 2004, de la Hoya made headlines when he reneged on an NBC television network deal to cover the Athens Olympics, opting instead to fight Bernard Hopkins for the world Middleweight championship. De la Hoya ultimately lost the fight to Hopkins in the ninth round.

De La Hoya's record currently stands at 39 wins and 5 defeats.

Today, he most often can be seen on TV on cable channel HBO, where he produces the Spanish language boxing show, Boxeo de Oro.

In 2006, de la Hoya added the title of new dad to his resume after announcing the news of the birth of his son, Oscar, Jr. in January.

In May, the boxer traveled to Las Vegas for his showdown with WBC junior middleweight champion Ricardo Mayorga. The boxer ultimately won the much anticipated comeback defeating Mayorga in the 6th round by TKO.

Most recently, de la Hoya was defeated by split decision in the much-heralded fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. at the MGM Las Vegas on May 5, 2007.

In a lead-up to the bout, A related television special, De La Hoya Mayweather 24/7, went behind the scenes in a four-episode HBO series.

In September 2007, Internet buzz surrounding photos of De La Hoya dressed in women's clothing have been denounced by fans as clever photo manipulation, with the boxer himself denouncing the photos as "phony".

Back in the ring in May 2008, the boxer went on to defeat Steve Forbes in an easy 12-round decision, setting up a rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in September 2008.

More about Ocar de la Hoya around the Web:

Oscar De La Hoya's Biography - An illustrated biography from Latino Sports Legends.

Ask Men - Oscar de la Hoya - Biography & pictures, with commentary on his "coolness factor", personality and talent.

HBO Boxing: Oscar de la Hoya - A profile of the boxer with professional career stats, personal and amateur background info.

Beyond the Glory - Oscar de la Hoya - Archived 2003 interview with the fighter including career highlights, from The Fox Network's series.

also see -> Evander Holyfield

Mike Tyson | Boxing | Olympic Boxing