De La Hoya Announces Boxing Comeback

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Former boxing champion Oscar De La Hoya, who won a gold medal in the 1992 Olympics, is making his return to the “sweet science” after more than a decade of retirement, following in the footsteps of fellow pugilists Roy Jones Jr. and Mike Tyson.

But don’t expect the “Golden Boy” to take any wimpy exhibition bouts.

“It’s a real fight,” De La Hoya told ESPN. “I miss being in the ring, I love boxing. Boxing is what gave me everything I have today, and I just miss it. Look, it’s been a long time, yes, but actually my jab feels faster than ever. I have to make sure that my conditioning is perfect, my health is good. And that’s going to take place in the next few weeks. So we’ll see.”

At least this keeps him from promoting MMA fights.

De La Hoya (39-6, 30 KOs), who turned 47 earlier this year, has not competed since his technical knockout loss to Manny Pacquiao in late 2008. And while he’s calling for a “top guy” for his in-ring return, the state athletic commission may have other plans.