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Former boxer Oscar De La Hoya going to rehab

Retired boxer Oscar De La Hoya waves to the crowd before the weigh-in between Floyd Mayweather against Robert Guerrero for the WBC and Vacant Ring Magazine Welterweight titles at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on May 3, 2013. UPI/David Becker
Retired boxer Oscar De La Hoya waves to the crowd before the weigh-in between Floyd Mayweather against Robert Guerrero for the WBC and Vacant Ring Magazine Welterweight titles at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on May 3, 2013. UPI/David Becker | License Photo

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 11 (UPI) -- Former boxer Oscar De La Hoya said he's missing what's billed as the biggest fight of the year because he's checking himself into rehab for substance abuse.

De La Hoya, president of boxing promotion company Golden Boy Promotions, was set to be in Las Vegas Saturday alongside his client, Saul "Canelo" Alvarez, as the young boxer challenged fellow undefeated middleweight titleholder Floyd Mayweather Jr., ESPN.com reported.

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"Canelo Alvarez and I have big fights coming up this weekend," De La Hoya, 40, said in a statement Tuesday. "His is the ring and mine in treatment. I will not be at the fight to cheer Canelo to victory since I have voluntarily admitted myself into a treatment facility."

The former 10-time world title winner didn't specify what substance he is getting treatment for, but he has admitted to alcohol and cocaine abuse in the past.

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