The most popular and richest fighter in the world is hanging up the gloves for good. Oscar De La Hoya announced his retirement at a Los Angeles press conference, ending months of speculation about whether or not he would return to the ring.

De La Hoya last fought in December, when he lost a one-sided beating at the hands of Manny Pacquiao. De La Hoya came into the fight in terrible shape, having lost too much weight too early, and was unable to do anything against the much more fit and more active fighter. After the fight, De La Hoya told Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach, that he just didn’t have it anymore, and today, he confirmed that belief.

“I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s over inside the ring for me,” De La Hoya told a crowd from across the street from the Staples Center.

He went on to say that it was not fair for him to continue fighting when he can no longer fight at the top level.

At 36-years-old, De La Hoya finishes his career with a record of 39-6 with 30 knockouts. He also won a gold medal at the 1992 Olympics.

Win or lose, De La Hoya has been in the ring with a veritable who’s who of boxing stars over the years. His wins include Julio Cesar Chavez (twice), Rafael Ruelas, Genaro Hernandez, Fernando Vargas, Ricardo Mayorga, Arturo Gatti, Pernell Whitaker and Ike Quartey. His losses were to Shane Mosely (twice), Felix Trinidad, Floyd Mayweather, Bernard Hopkins and Pacquiao.

De La Hoya has positioned himself during his boxing career to remain a major player in the sport for the rest of his life. His Golden Boy Promotions is now a major player in the sport and Oscar himself was such a financial superstar in the sport that he still yields very much power outside of the ring. He will continue to promote fights with his company in retirement.

Oscar was certainly the face of boxing for the last decade or so, and his tremendous drawing power will be missed. There is no denying his amazing ability to sell a fight — so much so that any die hard De La Hoya fan spent nearly $3,000 to watch all of his fights over the years. It may take a year or two, or more, to see who the next superstar is in terms of money, but sooner or later, one will emerge.

One way or another, there is no denying that Oscar did things right. He fought everyone, he was exciting to watch, he brought millions and millions of dollars to the sport, he’s looked out for the next generation with his Golden Boy Promotions, and now he is leaving before it is too late. Goodbye, and thanks Oscar.

Cross-published at BoxingInformer.com.

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