De La Hoya Fight

It's official Oscar De La Hoya retires.

The Golden Boy has announced his retirement earlier today after several days of speculation. Rumors began circulating last week when it was announced that the former champion would hold a press conference today to unveil its future.

He left after a brilliant career that was full of achievements, titles and treble. Unfortunately, the last memory of Oscar as a fighter can be one of the lowest moments in his career when he was destroyed by Manny Pacquiao.

His professional boxing career began on 11/23/92 compared to a hunter named Lamar Williams. It was a relatively easy victory in the first knockout round. His brilliance continued for many years to come. A career full of great moments that included an incredible comeback victory against Ike Quartey and destruction of Fernando Vargas. The fight appears to have been one of the most personal battles of his career as Vargas has played for the fans of Mexico, claiming he was a real contrast to the Mexican champion. The rivalry is all the pride of Mexico and Vargas took a beating and a KO loss art in the 11th round.

He has fought legends that included Cesar Chavez, Pernell Whitaker and Tito Trinidad. The fight against Trinidad has resulted in his first loss and it was a controversial decision. Many fight fans and journalists have given the fight for the Golden Boy who controlled the first 7 laps. The judges, however, saw this fight differently and gave a gift Trinity win by a narrow margin. I myself have watched this fight several times and can never seem to find a way to agree with the judges.

The last six fights have been a roller coaster ride, with 3 wins and 3 losses in the period of 2004-2008. It was easy and impressive victories over Steve Forbes and the ever controversial Ricardo Mayorga. He also had a victory against Felix Sturm, he clearly did not deserve. The little-known Sturm was warming up before a fight he took on Bernard Hopkins. Sturm gave De La Hoya all he could handle and then some. The losses in this period included six years fighting against Bernard Hopkins, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. The beat Golden Boy has taken over Pacquiao has been incredible. I was really sad to see a legendary fighter take such a beating. When interviewed Oscar said it was difficult because his mind has wanted to fight, but his body would not be fair. As so many fighters won their first Oscar realized it was time to retire during a fight.

I hope the memories of this great champion will be his wins, his professionalism and his achievements include a gold medal at the 1992 Olympics and won over seventeen world champions. He has won ten belts six different weight classes. His career as a fighter may be over, but we will certainly review it as it becomes one of the most powerful and influential boxing promoters in the sport.