De La Hoya Announces Retirement From Boxing, to Stay Involved in Sport as Promoter
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
AP
April 24: As a video tribute plays, Oscar De La Hoya sits with his wife Millie before he announces his retirement from boxing in a news conference.
April 24: As a video tribute plays, Oscar De La Hoya sits with his wife Millie before he announces his retirement from boxing in a news conference.
LOS ANGELES — Oscar De La Hoya is calling it quits in the ring.
Boxing's most popular fighter announced his decision Tuesday across the street from Staples Center, where a statue of him stands.
De La Hoya is retiring four months after he was thoroughly beaten by Manny Pacquiao in his fourth loss in his last seven fights. It's been several years since De La Hoya beat a truly daunting opponent. He finishes with a record of 39-6 and 30 knockouts.
He told an outdoor audience that he's retiring because it's not fair to himself or the fans to continue when he can't compete at the highest level anymore.
The native of East Los Angeles will stay involved in the sport as a promoter with his Golden Boy Promotions company.
