De La Hoya feeling ‘incredible,’ not ducking any fighters in comeback

MANILA, Philippines—Oscar De La Hoya isn’t ducking anyone in his planned comeback.

In an Instagram Live stream, the Hall of Fame boxer said that he’s ready to go up the top stars of the sport once he gets back to the ring after 12 years of being retired.

“I really am considering making a comeback. I have been training. I seriously feel incredible. I feel amazing. With me, I always fought the very best, and why not?” said De La Hoya, h/t BoxingScene.com. “If I make the comeback in the first quarter of next year, by the way, I have slimmed down 20 pounds, it’s going to be against the very best, like always.”

“None of this ducking fighters like the way fighters duck everyone today. They make it impossible because they price themselves out. It’s a huge problem.”

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De La Hoya last fought professionally in 2008 when he quit on the corner against Manny Pacquiao. His resume, though, was nearly unparalleled as he was once the only fighter to have won World titles in six divisions—a feat that the Filipino ring legend ultimately surpassed when he conquered eight.

Since retiring, De La Hoya has been busy with his company Golden Boy Promotions and helped shape the careers of four-division champion Canelo Alvarez and rising star Ryan Garcia.

Despite his executive role, De La Hoya is eager for a return a la George Foreman.

“George Foreman did it, and I think I can do it as well … I feel like a million, million bucks. It’s crazy,” said De La Hoya of the legendary heavyweight.

Foreman debuted in 1969 as a 20-year-old and fought arguably the greatest of all time in Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Ken Norton, Evander Holyfield.

Fighting well into the 1990s, the then 45-year-old Foreman even captured the WBA and IBF heavyweight titles when he knocked out undefeated Michael Moore in 1994.