OSCAR DE LA HOYA is the latest boxing legend considering a ring return – but only after Mike Tyson paves the way.
Comebacks are all the rage amid talk of a new fight for the heavyweight icon and De La Hoya is considering getting in on the action.
De La Hoya has stated that he wants to fight “the best” if he comes backCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The American was a multi-weight star in his fighting daysCredit: AFP
The former six-weight world champion won his first 31 professional fights and retired in 2008 with a 39-6 record.
However the 47-year-old, who has battled alcoholism issues in the past, admits that he will have to put in a lot of work if he is to take a comeback seriously.
De La Hoya told RingTV: “I actually want to see what Tyson does first. I have been working out, I have been training and I have been staying in shape.
“Obviously, I’m not in fighting shape, yet, to go 12 rounds, but I’m sure I can get there. We’ll see.
“I want to see Tyson perform, how his reflexes are, see if he can go past three, four rounds. Then I’ll make my decision.”
De La Hoya’s final bout against Manny Pacquiao came at 145 pounds but he would only return at 160 pounds, in the middleweight category that he fought in later in his career.
DE LA HOYA: BOXING LEGEND
Oscar De La Hoya was born in Los Angeles, California, to Mexican parents in 1973 and boasts a ring record of 39 wins, 6 losses and 30 KOs.
His first world title, the WBO junior lightweight crown, came in just his 12th fight.
And he quickly added the lightweight belt to his collection.
Julio Cesar Chávez was dispatched in 1996 for the light welterweight title.
De La Hoya then stepped up again for the welterweight crown just nine months later.
Shane Mosley got the better of him in two bouts in his later career, which coincided with the rise of Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, who both beat De La Hoya.
That could open up a potential contest with Canelo Alvarez, particularly with the American wanting to face “the best”.
Yet such a fight is not on De La Hoya’s mind, with the prospect given a frank “no”.
He added: “I would really come back. I’m really considering it.
“It doesn’t matter [who]. Anybody who is the best out there. I still have that mentality.”
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Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
