OSCAR DE LA HOYA revealed he was inspired to fight again by Mike Tyson and will consult the heavyweight legend about his ‘philosophy’ on returning.
Tyson shocked everyone last year after he announced plans to fight for the first time in 15 years, and dramatically transformed his body to do so.
Mike Tyson after his comeback fight against Roy Jones Jr Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Oscar De La Hoya is considering a boxing comeback Credit: Handout – Getty
The 54-year-old went on to draw with fellow icon Roy Jones Jr, 51, in an eight-round exhibition bout in November.
But Tyson’s comeback has not culminated there – as he confirmed he will fight on this year.
And so could De La Hoya, who is in the process of deciding whether to come out of retirement – having hung up the gloves in 2008.
The promoter revealed he will speak to Tyson before making a decision on whether to risk his health for a dramatic return.
De La Hoya, 47, told FightHype: “I’m thinking about it, yeah, absolutely.
“I do wanna talk to Mike Tyson about how he felt, just his philosophy on why he did it, how he did it — because he looked phenomenal.
“He looked great. For a guy who’s 54, 56 years old, he looked in amazing shape. Yes, his timing might’ve been off just a bit but he looked good.
“And so I was very happy for him and I would love to pick his brain on just the process, and how it took him to get to that mind frame, to the level.
“So we’ll see after that conversation how I feel. But yeah, I’m in shape, I’m actually running every single day.
“I feel great. I’m at about 169 right now, so I think I can get down to 154. So we’ll see.”
De La Hoya won titles in SIX divisions during his iconic career, but retired after a crushing defeat to Manny Pacquiao.
Unlike Tyson and former rival Floyd Mayweather – who is set to fight YouTuber Logan Paul – the Golden Boy Promotions boss wants to re-join the professional ranks.
And he admitted the same ego which led him to the pinnacle of the sport is also daring him back to the ring.
Oscar De La Hoya retired in 2008 after defeat to Manny Pacquiao Credit: AP:Associated Press
De La Hoya said: “I mean, I am crazy. But it’s also to prove a point, you know. First of all, to prove a point to myself that I can do it.
“But, also to show this younger generation of fighters like, you have to fight the very best — if you want to be the best, you have to fight the best.
“And even at this age if I come back at 47, I still want to fight the best.
“So hopefully it can spark something with these young guys instead of listening to the whispers in the ears, instead of thinking about the business first — no, think about the fight.
“Think about the glory. Think about your legacy.”
Watch Mike Tyson’s podcast descend into chaos as Gervonta Davis tells him he would ‘kill’ Garcia and accepts fight
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
