Dana White Throws Shade at Oscar De La Hoya’s Dance Video Despite $50,000 Cancer Donation Campaign Going Viral
In an era where social media can turn a simple dance video into a viral sensation, Oscar De La Hoya, the boxing legend and head of Golden Boy Promotions, found himself at the center of attention—but not for reasons you might expect. Earlier this month, De La Hoya, along with his partner Holly Sonders, released a provocative video of themselves dancing to Sak Noel’s ‘Loca People,’ wearing little more than their confidence. The video rapidly gained traction online, but not all of it was positive. While some praised the couple for their boldness, others were less than impressed, leading to the video being pulled from Instagram.
But the story didn’t end there. The video caught the attention of CamSoda, an adult streaming site, which offered De La Hoya and Sonders a staggering $500,000 to recreate the dance on their platform. Although the couple declined, dismissing it as a mere marketing ploy, they decided to give the controversial clip a new purpose. According to TMZ Sports, De La Hoya and Sonders rebranded their dance as part of the “Tanga and Ta-tas awareness program,” aiming to raise awareness for cancer screenings.
“Tanga and Ta-tas awareness program.”
Oscar and Sonders Turn Viral Sensation Into a Cancer Awareness Campaign
What began as a racy dance video took on a new life as a public service announcement for cancer awareness. In a statement released alongside the revamped video, Sonders revealed that they had donated $50,000 of their own money to fund cancer screenings at Adventist White Memorial Hospital in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles. The couple strategically timed the release of the updated video to coincide with September’s Cancer Awareness Month, hoping to shed light on the importance of early detection.
“Our lighthearted video may have surprised people,” De La Hoya and Sonders admitted in a joint statement, “but our intention is serious. We want to bring awareness to two diseases that are anything but funny. We’re committed to doing everything we can to help men and women stay healthy for their families.”
For De La Hoya, this cause hits close to home. His mother, Cecilia Gonzalez De La Hoya, tragically passed away from breast cancer in the 1990s, and since then, he has been a vocal advocate for cancer awareness. By using their viral moment to push this message, De La Hoya and Sonders hope to remove the stigma surrounding cancer screenings and encourage people to take proactive steps for their health.
Sonders and Oscar said in a joint statement, “We hope that our lighthearted video brings awareness to two diseases that are not funny at all — we want to do whatever we can to help provide men and women with [the] access they need to remain healthy for their families.”
Dana White’s Scathing Response: Feud Continues
However, not everyone saw the video in the same light. UFC President Dana White, never one to shy away from controversy, had a less charitable take on the whole affair. White and De La Hoya’s rivalry is well-documented, and the UFC boss didn’t miss the chance to throw shade at his old foe.
During a recent press conference for the Contender Series, White was asked for his thoughts on De La Hoya’s viral dance video. In true Dana White fashion, his response was dripping with sarcasm. “Unfortunately, I did see those,” White said, unable to hide his disdain. “And a new one came out today. Wow…” When the reporter mentioned the cancer awareness campaign linked to the video, White retorted with biting sarcasm, “He definitely did that. He raised some awareness.”
White’s response highlights the ongoing tension between the two sports icons. Their feud has been marked by a series of public jabs and heated exchanges, and it’s clear that neither man is interested in burying the hatchet anytime soon. While De La Hoya’s intentions may have been noble, White’s dismissive comments suggest that the UFC president isn’t buying it.
“Unfortunately, I did see those,” White said derisively. “And a new one came out today. Wow…” When the reporter informed him about the cancer awareness program Oscar and Sonders were promoting through the clip, White sarcastically responded, “He definitely did that. He raised some awareness.”
Thombson’s Insight: A Mixed Bag of Reactions
Oscar De La Hoya and Holly Sonders’ decision to pivot their viral moment into a cancer awareness campaign is a bold move, one that showcases their commitment to a cause close to their hearts. However, the backlash and skepticism from figures like Dana White illustrate the challenges that come with trying to blend entertainment with serious advocacy.
While De La Hoya’s intentions appear genuine, the execution of the campaign—beginning with a provocative dance video—raises questions about the most effective ways to raise awareness for critical issues like cancer. The mixed reactions show that, in the world of social media, good intentions can sometimes be overshadowed by controversy.
What’s Next?
As the feud between De La Hoya and White continues to simmer, it remains to be seen whether the boxing legend’s cancer awareness campaign will gain the traction it deserves. Despite White’s sarcastic remarks, the initiative has already sparked conversations about the importance of early cancer detection—a topic that De La Hoya is deeply passionate about.
In the end, De La Hoya’s ability to turn a viral video into a platform for advocacy is a testament to his influence and reach. Whether or not White’s comments will impact the campaign’s success is unclear, but one thing is certain: Oscar De La Hoya is determined to make a difference, even if it means ruffling a few feathers along the way.
