During an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Oscar De La Hoya recently shared his feelings on Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker for his contribution to raising his daughter, Atiana De La Hoya.
Atiana was born to Oscar De La Hoya and Shanna Moakler a year before the couple’s separation. Moakler then married Travis Barker, who became Atiana’s caretaker from the age of five.
De La Hoya admitted:
“Look, I didn’t raise my kids, you know? Their moms did. And I have to give credit where credit is due.”
The former boxer acknowledged Barker as the father figure for his daughter when he couldn’t be present. Crediting the drummer for taking care of her daughter, he added:
“I’m grateful that Barker was there, you know, as a father figure for my daughter. I have to be grateful that Shanna was a mother to Atiana and just know my place, basically, you know? My place — I’m obviously a father, and I’m proud of it. But, again, I’m grateful for what they’ve done. Especially with Barker. He’s obviously stepped up to the plate.”
De La Hoya also stated that he is still in touch with the drummer. Praising Barker, he said:
“He’s such a nice guy. I have the utmost respect for him.”
The boxer added:
“He’s a good guy. I’ve talked to him several times. And we communicate about Atiana. I’m just grateful for what he’s done.”
Barker shares two more children with his previous wife and gained three more stepchildren upon marrying his current wife Kourtney Kardashian. In addition, Kourtney recently revealed being pregnant during a Blink-182 show.