Mayweather vs Canelo: Golden Boy's Oscar de la Hoya checks into rehab (again) just four days out from blockbuster Showtime PPV

Oscar De La Hoya must be in pretty bad shape.

That's the only possible explanation surrounding today's shocking announcement, one that revealed the head of Golden Boy Promotions would be checking himself into rehab just four days ahead of what could be the biggest boxing pay-per-view (PPV) of all time.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Canelo Alvarez.

De La Hoya today (Sept. 10, 2013) released an official statement, emphasizing his "health and long-term recovery" during this "difficult" battle against his demons.

"Canelo Alvarez and I have big fights coming up this weekend. His is in the ring and mine in treatment. I will not be at the fight this Saturday to cheer Canelo to victory since I have voluntarily admitted myself into a treatment facility. I explained this to Canelo and he understood that my health and long-term recovery from my disease must come first. Thank you for your understanding. I ask for your support and privacy during this difficult time for me and my family."

The boy hasn't been so golden in recent years.

This is De La Hoya's second scrap with substance abuse, following his treatment for alcohol and cocaine addiction back in 2011. And the timing couldn't have been worse, as the former Olympic gold medalist is promoting Saul Alvarez for "Canelo's" blockbuster bout against Floyd Mayweather.

One that has the super welterweight world championship on the line (details).

How De La Hoya's absence affects the young challenger this weekend (Sept. 14) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada (if at all) remains to be seen, though we may get a good look at how Canelo is handling the news at today's fighter arrivals in "Sin City."

Watch a live stream of this evening's pre-fight festivities right here.