Boxing Rumors: Oscar De La Hoya Mulling Comeback, Says Decision Depends On Mike Tyson

Boxing icon Oscar De La Hoya admits that he is strongly considering a comeback to the fight scene. At 47 years old, the “Golden Boy” claims that he is in shape to return but reveals his decision will still depend on Mike Tyson's showcase in his own comeback fight.

Just like Iron Mike’s plan, De La Hoya is likely to explore the possibility of fighting for charity should he step into the ring once again.

“I think coming back for charity is awesome,” De La Hoya told RingTV. “I actually want to see what Tyson does first. And I have been working out, and I have been training and I have been staying in shape.”

“I would really come back. I’m really considering it. It doesn’t matter, anyone who is the best out there,” he added.

“Obviously, 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. (I want to) see how his reflexes are, see if he can go past three, four rounds. Then I’ll make my decision.”

De La Hoya has not fought since December 2008 when he was beaten black and blue by Manny Pacquiao, who was then at peak of his storied career. Since then, the Mexican-American has gone full time as a boxing promoter at the Golden Boy Promotions, which has represented a handful of boxing’s household names, including top-ranked pound for pound fighter Canelo Alvarez.

Boxing analysts believe De La Hoya is making a wise move to come out of retirement, especially in the advent of retired legends making their respective re-entry to the sport.

“It’s a good move for De La Hoya to come out of retirement right now, as a lot of older fighters are training to return to the ring,” Boxing News 24’s Dan Ambrose wrote. “The money that De La Hoya can make in his comeback, he can use to feed into his Golden Boy Promotions company. De La Hoya can sign a lot of great fighters with the money he makes with his comeback fight.”

Before Pacquiao sent him to retirement 12 years ago, De La Hoya had been known as the vicious slugger who was punishing his opponents with ease that earned him titles in six different weight classes. He was also an Olympic Gold medalist and has registered 39 wins (30 KO) in 45 professional fights.