The World Boxing Council claims that ?The Golden Boy? Oscar de la Hoya who is now 43 years old is ?thinking seriously? about returning to the ring so much so that ?he?s even assessing possible rivals.?
It should be noted age is not necessarily a factor since heavyweight champion George Foreman came out of retirement and at the age of 45 regained the world title by knocking out 27 year old Michael Moorer in November 1994 while Bernard Hopkins last fought in November 2014 at the age of 49.
In an interview with ESPN, De La Hoya said should he return the fight ?should be worthy of my time. But this is serious, plus I have to sure of fighting against the very best.?
The Golden Boy made it clear he ?won?t go back for money issues or glamor? and emphasized that ?the factor which would make me return is that I?ve missed fighting against the best.?
While claiming that chances of a return are 50-50 De La Hoya maintained ?at the moment I?m feeling in pretty good shape. I feel great emotionally and mentally as I haven't drunk alcohol in a long time. I?m training well ad I?m feeling awesome.?
De La Hoya has won 10 world titles in 6 different weight divisions from lightweight to middleweight and earned millions of dollars during his career fighting the best of his era including undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr to whom he lost by a split decision; a seventh round mauling in a catch-weight showdown with eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao and fights against DShane Mosley, Felix ?Tito? Trinidad, Julio Cesar Chavez, Pernell Whittaker and Bernard Hopkins.
Photo: De La Hoya during his press conference announcing his retirement from boxing on April 13, 2009. Photo by Dong Secuya.
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