Oscar De La Hoya, the legendary former boxing champion, has made headlines once again, but this time, it’s not for his career in the ring.
The 52-year-old took to social media, sharing a video of himself undergoing a beauty treatment known as hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), a procedure aimed at improving healing and promoting overall wellness.
However, the post sparked some health concerns among followers as he was seen wearing a mask and claiming the treatment would make him “younger” and “cuter.”
De La Hoya posted the video on Instagram, jokingly saying, “These lasers only making me younger and cuter…sorry fellas. CO2 laser + hyperbaric chamber= sexy papichulo by next week.”
While his playful caption may have been meant in good humor, the choice of treatment has drawn both curiosity and caution.
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Why is It Used?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing pure oxygen while inside a pressurized chamber.
This process increases the amount of oxygen available to tissues, promoting faster healing and helping to fight infections.
It’s often used for medical purposes, such as treating conditions like anaemia and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Although it’s generally considered safe, the U.S. FDA has noted some potential side effects, including ear and sinus pain, middle ear injuries, temporary vision changes, and in rare cases, a risk of lung collapse.
The treatment also carries a fire risk due to the high concentration of oxygen, which is why it’s recommended to be conducted at an accredited facility.
The Backlash: De La Hoya and Joe Rogan’s Public Feud
De La Hoya’s choice to undergo HBOT comes shortly after a public spat with UFC commentator Joe Rogan.
Rogan, 57, had criticized De La Hoya, accusing him of being “off the rails” and claiming he had “fake abs.”
De La Hoya responded in kind, posting a series of clips on Instagram showing Rogan’s aging process over the past 15 years, and adding a sharp comment about cleaning up his own life.
The back-and-forth between the two grew more intense when Rogan questioned the legitimacy of De La Hoya’s body transformation during a conversation with UFC fighter Belal Muhammad.
Rogan speculated whether De La Hoya had “fake abs” or was using something like semi-glutide to achieve his physique.
In response, De La Hoya dismissed the comments as baseless and suggested Rogan had a “contract” to keep criticizing him.
Controversy and Criticism on Social Media
This isn’t the first time De La Hoya has found himself in the midst of controversy on social media.
Back in August 2024, he was involved in a social media uproar after posting a video of himself dancing with his partner, Holly Sonders.
The video, in which Sonders was dressed in lingerie and De La Hoya wore a leopard-print thong, quickly went viral before being removed due to complaints from viewers.
Many critics were not pleased with the video, calling it inappropriate and criticizing De La Hoya for having a “mid-life crisis.”
In response to the backlash, De La Hoya claimed that his “enemies” were behind the complaints and had gotten the video taken down.
Sonders also defended the post, commenting that the removal was the result of “lame” reports.
The two seemed unbothered by the criticism, joking about their return to the platform with more content to share.
De La Hoya’s Continued Public Life and Media Presence
Whether it’s through beauty treatments or social media controversies, Oscar De La Hoya remains a larger-than-life figure in the public eye.
His decision to undergo hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be seen as just another chapter in his ongoing journey of self-care and reinvention.
However, his recent clashes with figures like Joe Rogan and the viral attention from his social media posts prove that De La Hoya continues to stir conversation—both for his achievements and his bold personality.
