Before he greeted Dynamo players and fans on Friday, new equity partner and world champion boxer Oscar De La Hoya sat down with www.HoustonDynamo.com for an exclusive interview. Here's what the champ had to say:
Houston Dynamo: What type of passion do you expect to bring to this new arena for you?
Oscar De La Hoya: "The passion I have for my sport, which is inside the sports circle, is at the highest level. The Houston Dynamo is up to par when competing on the highest level. They are the back-to-back champions, and they are here for a reason. The fans love them, and we feel with this combination, they can teach me a few things, and I can teach them a few things. We are going to work together, side-by-side, to become even better, and that is the great compliment that we give each other. We both now what it takes to become champions."
Dynamo: The older guys know what you have done and who you have fought, and the younger guys do not really remember who you fought - is it a nice mix of guys on the team?
De La Hoya: "Exactly, that is the great thing about a team: You have the players that have the experience that can teach the young players the ropes, and that is the beauty of sports. You can work together, you can come together and work toward unity and become the best you can be. So I am truly excited to be part of the Houston Dynamo and really evaluate our team to the next level, and the next level is to keep on winning world championships or national championships."
Dynamo: How long have you been a fan of soccer?
De La Hoya: "Since I was a kid. I remember visiting the grandma right across the border in California kicking the ball around on the dirt roads at six years old, so for us it was either soccer or boxing. I was fortunate or unfortunate to lace up the gloves, but soccer has been with me for a long time, and I am a big supporter."
Dynamo: How much from afar did you know about the Dynamo?
De La Hoya: "Who doesn't know about the Dynamo? The Dynamo are back-to-back champions, and they are the team in the MLS. Just to be part of a franchise is just an honor."
Dynamo: What makes a championship in any sport?
De La Hoya: "Teamwork. You have to be able to understand and work together as a team. There is no individual on the team, and the Dynamo get that. The Dynamo have been so successful because it is a team organization from the water boy to the goalie to the guy on top. It is all a team effort, and we have one goal: to win the title."
Dynamo: What do all your friends in boxing say about what are you doing?
De La Hoya: "Friends in boxing were very supportive, and a few were very instrumental in convincing me that I should get involved in soccer because everybody loves soccer. The opportunity we have here in the United States with the MLS and soccer, which is just growing at a fast rate, is unbelievable, and the opportunity was perfect for us at Golden Boy Promotions, and it is going to be fun."
