Boxer Oscar De La Hoya announces retirement
Future Hall of Fame boxer Oscar De La Hoya announced his retirement from the sport today at a news conference in Los Angeles.
De La Hoya, 36, a gold medalist in the 1992 Olympics and a 10-time world champion in six different weight classes during his 16-year professional career, leaves the sport with a record of 39-6 with 30 knockouts.
"The last four months have been very difficult for me," De La Hoya said. "I'm announcing my retirement because I've been doing this since I was 5 years old and boxing is my passion. Boxing is what I was born to do and when I can't do it anymore at the highest level, it's not fair to me, it's not fair to the fans, it's not fair to anyone. I've come to the conclusion it's over for me in the ring."
His last fight, Dec. 6 at the MGM Grand Garden, resulted in the worst loss of his career as the "Golden Boy" was unable to answer the bell for the ninth round against Manny Pacquiao after being totally dominated the first eight rounds in their 147-pound contest.
