A former employee for the company owned by Pasadena boxing promoter and former professional boxer Oscar De La Hoya filed court papers against the ex-fighter and the company Tuesday, alleging he was fired due to age discrimination despite promises by De La Hoya to take care of him financially for life with a guaranteed job
Ramiro Gonzalez, 66, says in his still-unofficial Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit that the 50-year-old boxing promoter lured him in 2007 from his sportswriting job with the La Opinion Spanish-language newspaper, where he had a “stellar reputation within the sports community,” to be Golden Boy Promotions, Inc.’s public relations director “with promises of fortune and lifelong support.”
Gonzalez seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. A Golden Boy representative did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
Gonzalez at first was given a contract and he helped in securing such fighters as Canelo Alvarez and he contributed significantly to Golden Boys’ growth and management, Gonzalez’ court papers state. In addition, Gonzalez assisted in covering up De La Hoya’s frequent “improper conduct ” and “illicit behavior,” demonstrating the harm that compounded the hostile work environment in which the plaintiff worked, Gonzalez’s court papers further allege without being specific.
Gonzalez says he worked in later years without a contract and his court papers do not state when he was fired. Gonzalez says he has experienced emotional distress and suffered lost wages as well as damage to his reputation.
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