Oscar De La Hoya has called time on his career after abandoning his plans for a comeback.
Last year the former world champion had planned to return at the age of 48 to face Vitor Belfort who is predominantly known for this achievements in mixed martial arts, but with just eight days before the fight the American contracted Covid-19, forcing him to pull out.
Speaking from the hospital during treatment, he gave no indication he would scrap his comeback entirely. However, he has now confirmed that he will not fight again.
Now 49, he spoke to BoxingScene.com and said: “I can’t imagine myself in the ring anymore. I’m hanging up the gloves for sure and calling it a day.
“It’s not likely [I will fight again]. I’m not feeling it. I went through so much in training. I was on it. When I trained, I left everything and my focus was 100%. It just drained me. I couldn't handle it. Once I got COVID, I still have problems breathing when I’m running.”
He had previously said he would return to the gym in January, but those plans did not come to pass.
“I feel complete now. I have six projects aside from boxing that I’m working on right now that are huge – mega. I’ve refocused. I have the energy. I have a woman by my side who makes me feel like King Kong,” he explained.
“It’s motivating. It really is. I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen with Golden Boy and my personal brand. Things are moving in the right direction. I’m really excited about it.”