Last year, in a touching post commemorating his girlfriend Holly Sonders’ birthday, Oscar De La Hoya—then a boxing champion—shared photographs of his toned six-pack, starting the abs craze. While many were impressed with De La Hoya’s toned waist, many were suspicious that she may have had plastic surgery to get there. It was hard for some fans to believe that he could keep such a defined figure at 51 years old, fifteen years after his professional boxing career ended.

Some have speculated that De La Hoya may have sought medical help because the crisp definition of his abs doesn’t seem to match the muscular development in the rest of his physique. Then, what is the reality? Is it true that Oscar De La Hoya got breast implants? Let’s take a look at the evidence supporting these assertions and the amazing abs of the former Olympic gold medalist.

How did De La Hoya manage to achieve such a dramatic change to her body? Is it the product of rigorous exercise and dietary restriction? It seems the supporters weren’t totally incorrect. During an appearance on “MMA Hour,” De La Hoya confessed that he had some surgical help to get his impressive belly look. Yeah, they’re legit. Ariel Helwani was informed by De La Hoya that they are her abs. He opened up about his experience with “lipo-sculpting,” a technique that makes abs look more defined by removing fat from the area between the muscles.

A strong abdominal core has always been a part of my body. My body fat percentage is quite low because I exercise daily. “However, the abdominal muscles stand out like no tomorrow once the sculpting is done,” De La Hoya said. He made it clear that he did not receive implants and was adamant that his abs are real. The surgery served just to accentuate his already-present abdominal muscles. He went on to say that his abs would still be evident even if he put on weight following the treatment.

 

Since the fat is unable to regenerate once removed from a specific place, I can put on 200 pounds and yet maintain my abdominal definition. De La Hoya made a joke about it growing under his shoulder or somewhere else.

Why, though, would a former boxer and current fitness guru with a net worth of almost $200 million choose to have abdominal implants? Were there more profound, individual motives at work, or was it all about ego?

On the “Club Shay Shay” podcast, De La Hoya spoke with Shannon Sharpe about his decision to get the operation, saying that love played a part in his decision. My abs are already visible, so all they did was etch them in between to make them stand out more. It is now my responsibility to maintain my abs through proper exercise and nutrition. The claim, nevertheless, is genuine; they belong to me, De La Hoya said.

 

He went on to say that he cared deeply about showing his partner, Holly Sonders—who he called “probably the most beautiful, sexy woman alive”—how he felt and looked. In an effort to keep up with her, he felt compelled to take care of his looks. “I want to appear decent for her,” he admitted.

According to De La Hoya, his friendship with Sonders was the driving force behind his desire for a toned body. Even though he had planned to live a more carefree life at first, the retired boxer confessed that she is the constant source of inspiration for him to keep active. When we first met, I confessed that I was planning to quit training. I intend to squander my fortune and live it up. But you know what? “She inspires me daily,” he said.

Despite his busy schedule with Golden Boy Promotions and other business obligations, De La Hoya stays in shape by frequently hitting the gym, thanks to his wife’s support. Unfazed by the vitriol from his admirers, the former Olympic gold winner is hell-bent on defining his own path in life.