Oscar De La Hoya Sued By His Former PR Director For Wrongful Termination

American boxing promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, is being sued.

A former employee of the 50-year-old boxing professional claims he was wrongfully terminated.

In legal documents obtained by The Blast, in 2006, De La Hoya pursued Gonzalez to join Golden Boy Promotions, Inc.

At the time, Ramiro Gonzalez was a respected and trusted syndicated sportswriter for La Opinion, enjoying a stellar reputation within the sports community. With promises of fortune and lifelong support, Mr. De La Hoya finally convinced Mr. Gonzalez to leave his position at La Opinion. In 2007, Gonzalez joined Golden Boy Promotions as their Public Relations Director.

Gonzalez claims he was an "integral" part of the team, and "his responsibilities included writing and managing public relations."

Per the documents, "Mr. Gonzalez considered leaving the company on several occasions. However, Mr. De La Hoya repeatedly assured him that he would be cared for life and guaranteed to always have a job with Golden Boy. Although Mr. Gonzalez initially contracted with Golden Boy Promotions, Mr. De La Hoya and the company subsequently disregarded the contractual terms. They relied on their ongoing promises of lifelong support and employment. Mr. Gonzalez played an integral role in the success of Golden Boy Promotions by assisting in securing major fighters, such as Canelo Alvarez."

Gonzalez alleges that De La Hoya subjected him to improper conduct, asking him to assist with or cover up illicit activities.

This pattern of behavior demonstrates a hostile work environment that compounded the harm suffered by Mr. Gonzalez. In light of these facts, Mr. Gonzalez has been wrongfully terminated and subjected to age discrimination (66 years old), a hostile work environment, and other violations of his rights under FEHA.

Gonzalez is seeking reinstatement, back pay, damages for emotional stress, and any other relief deemed just and proper by the court.

He's suing for unpaid wages, restitution, punitive damages, and attorneys' fees.

No specific damages were mentioned in the legal docs.

As a direct and proximate result of the defendant's unlawful conduct and prolonged harassment, the plaintiff has suffered and will continue to suffer injuries, including but not limited to sustained pain and suffering, stress, loss of sleep, anxiety, embarrassment, humiliation, loss of self-esteem, depression, and extreme and severe mental anguish and emotional distress; and plaintiff has suffered the loss of earnings and other employment benefits.

Gonzalez further claims Golden Boy Promotions, Inc. and Oscar De La Hoya's wrongful termination of Plaintiff Ramiro Gonzalez's employment; Plaintiff has suffered damages, including loss of income, emotional distress, and damage to his professional reputation.