Oscar De La Hoya Is Serious About His Boxing Comeback

Oscar De La Hoya has confirmed rumours of a comeback are true.

‘The Golden Boy’ told ESPN that he will start training “in the next few weeks” for his first fight in 12 years. The 47-year-old has often teased fans about a potential comeback but insists this time he is serious.

“The rumors are true,” De La Hoya said, “and I’m going to start training in the next few weeks.”

De La Hoya says when he does return it will be for a “real fight” and nothing like the November 28 exhibition bout between heavyweight legend Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr.

“It’s a real fight,” said De La Hoya. “I miss being in the ring. I love boxing. Boxing is what gave me everything I have today, and I just miss it.”

Since retiring in 2008 De La Hoya has been a prominent figure within boxing building up his Golden Boy Promotions into one of the most powerful players in the sport. Despite the long layoff, the former six division world champion is confident heading into his return bout.

“Look, it’s been a long time, yes,” De La Hoya said. “But actually, my jab feels faster than ever. I have to make sure that my conditioning is perfect, my health is good. And that’s going to take place in the next few weeks. So, we’ll see.”

Pacquiao dominated De La Hoya in his final fight. ‘Golden Boy’ had weighed in at 145lbs, two pounds below the division’s limit and believes that is evidence he was not himself during that one-sided loss.

“Look, my last fight with Pacquiao,” De La Hoya said, “I weighed in at 145 and obviously that was a shell of myself.”

Who do you think Oscar De La Hoya should face in his first fight in 12 years?