Other Sport
'Golden Boy' calls it a day
2009-04-14 22:56
'Golden Boy' retires (AFP)
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Los Angeles - 10-time boxing world champion Oscar de la Hoya announced his retirement from the sport here on Tuesday.
The 36-year-old Mexican-American's last bout was back in December when Filipino Manny Pacquiao stopped him in the eighth round.
De la Hoya looked a shadow of the boxer that had accrued 10 world titles in six different weight classes since he first announced his great talent by winning an Olympic gold medal at the 1992 Games in Barcelona.
"After reflecting a lot and speaking with my family and friends I came to the conclusion that I would bring to a halt my career as a boxer.
"After the Pacquiao bout I realised that I no longer had either the reflexes nor the power to compete at this level, hence I took this decision."
De la Hoya - known as 'The Golden Boy' - had pretty much indicated just after he had been battered into submission by Pacquiao that he was contemplating retirement.
"My heart still wants to fight that's for sure, but when your physical doesn't respond, what can you do?"
De la Hoya - who started his own boxing promotion company while he was still active in the ring - retires with a record of 39 victories 6 defeats with 30 knockouts.