NEW YORK -- Widely hailed for its leadership position around the world in televised professional boxing, HBO Sports will extend its boxing franchise in 2003 as HBO Latino, the cable network's 24-hour Spanish-language channel, introduces a groundbreaking association with world super welterweight/junior middleweight champion Oscar de la Hoya for OSCAR DE LA HOYA PRESENTA BOXEO DE ORO, a new boxing series that will air exclusively on HBO Latino. The announcement of the series was made today by Bernadette Aulestia, vice president of brand development and online marketing for HBO, and De La Hoya.

Set for debut in January 2003, the new series will showcase up-and-coming fighters on a monthly basis, with the fights airing live on Thursday nights in prime time. "This is the first dedicated original program created for HBO Latino," said Aulestia. "It's an exciting addition to our Spanish programming lineup and a major step in fulfilling our promise to continually enhance the value of the service to our ever-growing audience of Hispanic viewers nationwide."

De La Hoya, one of boxing's most recognizable stars, has won world titles in five weight classes, and reaffirmed his status as one the sport's top performers with a resounding win over Fernando Vargas on Sept. 14. He is president of Golden Boy Promotions, LLC, a California-based promotional company that has signed a stable of promising young fighters who have the opportunity to work and grow under De La Hoya's guidance.

"Teaming up with a superstar personality like Oscar De La Hoya is a perfect fit and extension of our boxing franchise," said Ross Greenburg, president, HBO Sports. "The interest among the Hispanic audience in world-class boxing is well documented, and by introducing this new series of prizefights to our Spanish-speaking viewers through HBO Latino, we will enhance and grow interest in the sport."

Said De La Hoya, "I am thrilled to expand my special relationship with HBO by creating a new monthly boxing series for 2003 on HBO Latino. It underscores HBO's and my commitment to this great sport, and launches my quest to become the leading boxing promotion firm. Golden Boy Promotions will put its heart and soul into this series and make HBO proud to have partnered with us."

"The series will focus on exciting young Hispanic fighters and provide them with a platform to grow into world champions, therefore continuing the great HBO tradition of quality fights delivered to homes all over the world," he added. A dedicated production team and set of announcers will be hired for the HBO Latino series, which will be produced by HBO Sports. Oscar De La Hoya, 29, was a gold medal-winner at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. He has had a TV association with HBO since 1993, appearing 24 times on the "Network of Champions."

With nearly 50% of U.S. Hispanic cable households having access to HBO Latino, the dedicated Spanish-language channel is designed to reflect the diversity of Latino culture in the country. HBO Latino features U.S. premieres of Spanish-language movies and documentaries; music videos; original short-form programming that spotlights entertainment and cultural issues; plus a mix of popular Hollywood films and the best of HBO's originals. Boxing coverage on HBO Latino includes: HBO's flagship "World Championship Boxing" series, with live ringside Spanish commentary, and the critically acclaimed "HBO Boxing After Dark." The channel is part of the HBO/MAX Pack, the network's multiplex line-up.