Challenging Mayweather, De La Hoya Wants To Return To The Ring

Oscar De La Hoya (Instagram @oscardelahoya)

JAKARTA - Retired boxing Oscar De La Hoya wants to return to the ring. He has already mentioned his potential opponent, namely Floyd Mayweather Jr.

De La Hoya last boxed as a professional in December 2008 when he faced Manny Pacquiao. He was supposed to make a comeback last September, but it had to be canceled because he contracted COVID-19.

"Personally, now I'm not motivated because of COVID, I'm in really good shape and then COVID hit me, so my morale is a bit low now with regards to getting back into the ring", De La Hoya told TMZ.

"In January, I'm sure I'll be back in training but I have to prepare mentally first, I want to be in top shape for Cinco de Mayo. It could be Floyd Mayweather, that's probably the biggest fight there is going to be right now."

De La Hoya claimed he had $100 million to tempt Mayweather into their 2007 rematch, which Mayweather won by split decision.

If that happens, this De La Hoya vs Mayweather fight will be the latest in a line of veteran boxers to return to the sport.

Previously, there were Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr who fought for a draw in an exhibition duel in November last year.

Then Evander Holyfield suffered a crushing defeat when he replaced De La Hoya against Vitor Belfort two months ago.

So far, it's unclear whether De La Hoya's fight with Mayweather will be an exhibition fight or under professional rules. However, De La Hoya has already mentioned May 5, 2022, as the date of their duel.