Oscar De La Hoya eyeing a comeback at 42. (Photo : REUTERS)
Oscar De La Hoya expressed a "50-50" chance of a comeback and likens his situation to Sugar Leonard when the latter defeated Marvin Hagler and feels he could do the same.
Playing the role of Hagler for him may be the 'Triple G' Gennady Golovkin, who expressed enthusiasm about the idea.
The very optimistic De La Hoya said that he thinks about what Sugar Leonard did against Marvin Hagler in winning a decision and feels he could do the same.
Perhaps he should be reminded that Leonard was just 30 years old and was retired for just three years and coming off a win against Kevin Howard when he fought Hagler.
De La Hoya (39-6, 30 KOs) is 42 years old, has been retired for seven years and was badly battered in an eight round technical knockout loss to Manny Pacquiao in his last fight .
In fact, De La Hoya today is more similar to 1997 version of Leonard--then 39 years and coming off a six year retirement--who got knocked out by Hector Camacho.
De La Hoya, a Hall-of-Famer and six-division titleholder, said he wanted either a rematch with Floyd Mayweather or face middleweight titlist Golovkin if he pushes through with a comeback.
De La Hoya said he wants to fight the very best in his comeback because he misses the competition and clarified that it's not just for money or the lights or the glamour.
Golovkin (33-0, 30 KOs) is one of boxing's emerging stars but is unable to attract a big name opponent.
Golovkin said he is ready for De La Hoya "as soon as possible". He added that he is willing to give in to the Golden Boy's demand that the fight be made at super welterweight limit of 154 pounds, six pounds
less from the limit at middleweight where Golovkin is champ.
Tom Loeffler, Golovkin's promoter and K2 Promotions managing director, did his part in trying to lure De La Hoya to face his fighter by agreeing that their potential fight is indeed similar to Sugar Ray
Leonard coming out of retirement to battle Marvin Hagler.
