The Golden Girl: 5 Shocking Facts About Holly Sonders, Oscar De La Hoya's 'Inseparable' Girlfriend

The relationship between boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya and former sports broadcaster Holly Sonders has dominated headlines since they went public, proving to be one of the most talked-about celebrity pairings in the sports world. As of late 2024, their romance remains strong and highly visible, with the couple often sharing intimate moments and bold displays of affection on social media. De La Hoya, known as 'The Golden Boy' of boxing, has openly described his relationship with Sonders as the first time he has truly been in love, a candid admission that has only amplified public interest in his partner and their life together.

This deep-dive article provides the most current and comprehensive look at Holly Sonders—the woman who captured the heart of the boxing Hall of Famer—detailing her full biography, her impressive career journey from collegiate golf to television stardom, and the inside story of her "inseparable" romance with Oscar De La Hoya, including his recent, high-profile divorce and complicated family life.

Holly Sonders: Full Biography and Career Milestones

Holly Sonders is far more than just "Oscar De La Hoya's girlfriend;" she is an accomplished former collegiate golfer, a high-profile sports journalist, and a television host who has built a successful career across multiple major networks. Born Holly Niederkohr, she adopted the professional name Sonders, and her journey from the golf course to the broadcast booth is a testament to her drive and versatility.

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• Full Name: Holly Niederkohr (Professionally known as Holly Sonders)
• Date of Birth: March 3, 1987
• Age (as of late 2024): 37
• Hometown: Marysville, Ohio, U.S.
• Education: Michigan State University (Collegiate Golf)
• Early Career: Worked at WBNS-10 TV in Columbus, Ohio, on the local show The Average Joe Sports Show.
• Major Career Highlights:
  • Golf Channel (2011–2014): Gained national prominence as a host on the network, notably co-hosting the popular morning show Morning Drive and featuring on School of Golf.
  • Fox Sports (2014–2019): Served as a prominent on-air talent, covering major events like the U.S. Open and other golf championships, and later moving to cover NFL and other sports as a sideline reporter.
  • Boxing/Fitness: Since her departure from Fox Sports, Sonders has focused on her personal brand, fitness modeling, and briefly returned to broadcasting to host a boxing event, where she fatefully met De La Hoya.

Sonders’s background as a competitive athlete is key to her on-air persona and her connection to the sports world. She played golf at Michigan State University, where she helped her team win the Big Ten Championship in 2007. Her extensive knowledge of the sport and her comfortable presence in front of the camera made her a natural fit for the Golf Channel, launching her into the national spotlight before she expanded her reach to Fox Sports.

The Unexpected Ring-Side Romance: How Oscar and Holly Met

The origin story of Oscar De La Hoya and Holly Sonders is a classic case of professional paths crossing and instantly igniting a personal spark. Their relationship began in the summer of 2021, and the initial meeting was a high-stakes, professional encounter.

The Fateful Interview: De La Hoya first met Sonders when she interviewed him at a boxing event in June 2021. The event was significant for Sonders, as it marked her return to sports broadcasting after a period away from television. The chemistry between the two was immediate and undeniable, quickly moving from a professional interaction to a passionate romance.

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The retired boxing champion, who also runs the powerful promotion company Golden Boy Promotions, and the former Golf Channel star were soon spotted together at celebrity hotspots like Nobu in Malibu, confirming their new relationship to the public. De La Hoya did not shy away from the intensity of the bond, famously declaring that Sonders made him feel "like King Kong" and that he was truly "in love for the first time." This level of public affection, combined with Sonders’s bold social media presence, has made them a constant topic of conversation among fans and media alike.

Their relationship is characterized by mutual support and a highly public display of their connection. Sonders has demonstrated her commitment in a permanent way, getting a tattoo dedicated to De La Hoya. The couple is known for being "inseparable," traveling together, and openly sharing their fitness routines and lavish lifestyle, cementing their status as one of boxing's most glamorous power couples.

Oscar De La Hoya's Complicated Family Life and Recent Divorce

To fully understand the significance of De La Hoya's current relationship with Holly Sonders, it is important to contextualize it within his complex personal history, which includes a recent divorce and a large, multi-faceted family. The boxer’s candid comments about being "in love for the first time" are particularly notable given his two-decade marriage to his ex-wife.

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The End of a 22-Year Marriage

Oscar De La Hoya was previously married to Puerto Rican singer and actress Millie Corretjer. The couple tied the knot in 2001 and were together for over two decades, though they had been separated for a period before officially finalizing their divorce in 2023.

De La Hoya and Corretjer share three children: a son, Oscar De La Hoya Jr., and two daughters, Nina De La Hoya and Victoria De La Hoya. The official dissolution of their marriage in 2023 allowed both parties to fully move forward, further solidifying De La Hoya's commitment to Sonders, who he had already been dating for two years at that point.

A Large and Complex Family

Beyond his children with Millie Corretjer, Oscar De La Hoya is a father to six children in total, from multiple relationships. This large, blended family dynamic adds another layer of complexity to his personal life and is a frequent topic of public discussion.

His other children include:

• Atiana De La Hoya: Born from his relationship with former Miss USA and model Shanna Moakler.
• Devon De La Hoya: Result of a one-night stand with Angelique McQueen.
• Jacob De La Hoya: Another son, whose mother is less frequently named in public reports.

The complexity of his family life, including reports of estrangement with some of his children, highlights the dramatic shift in his personal focus since meeting Holly Sonders. His decision to retire from the ring and focus on his relationship, as well as his candid statements about his newfound happiness, suggest a profound personal transformation driven by his bond with Sonders.

The Future of "The Golden Couple"

As of late 2024, the relationship between Oscar De La Hoya and Holly Sonders shows no signs of slowing down. They continue to be a visible presence, blending the worlds of boxing and sports media with high-fashion and fitness. Sonders, with her background as a successful broadcaster and model, brings a unique blend of glamour and sports expertise to the former champion’s life.

Their open communication about their relationship, whether through bold social media posts or De La Hoya's heartfelt public declarations, ensures they remain a hot topic. For fans of 'The Golden Boy', Holly Sonders represents a new, vibrant chapter in his life, one that he has enthusiastically embraced as a fresh start.