The Golden Boy says goodbye

By Andy Samuelson

Published Tuesday, April 14, 2009 | 12:30 p.m.

Updated Tuesday, April 14, 2009 | 1:30 p.m.

The end of an era likely ended months ago inside the MGM Grand.

A badly beaten Oscar De La Hoya was unable to answer the bell for the ninth round in his megafight against pound-for-pound champ Manny Pacquiao in December.

The defeat marked De La Hoya's fourth loss in his last seven fights, and for all logical purposes signaled his retirement from the ring.

On Tuesday, De La Hoya made his decision official.

"I've come to the conclusion that it's over," the 36-year-old native of East Los Angeles said, during a news conference in L.A. at the plaza across the street from Staples Center — where a seven-foot statue of The Golden Boy stands. "It's over inside the ring for me.

"This is the love of my life, boxing is my passion, boxing is what I was born to do," continued De La Hoya, . "When I can't do it anymore, when I can't compete at the highest level, it's not fair. It's not fair to me, it's not fair to the fans, it's not fair to nobody."

De La Hoya said he struggled for months with the decision, but ultimately it came down to not wanting to let down his fans or himself.

"Now I understand why athletes have such a tough time retiring from something that you feel so passionate about, from your sport that you're always thinking you can try one more time," he said.

"I can still train hard and I can still compete, but when you're an athlete that has competed on the highest level for a lot of years, it's not fair. It's not fair to step inside the ring and not give my best."

De La Hoya, who began his pro career against Lamar Williams on Nov. 23, 1992, recorded his last victory against Steve Forbes on May 3, 2008, in Los Angeles, when he won in 12 rounds.

His last title bout came in May 2007, when he lost a split decision to Floyd Mayweather Jr. for the WBC 154-pound title. After opening his career with 31 straight wins, De La Hoya compiled only an 8-6 record in his last 14 fights.

De La Hoya's final match, dubbed "The Dream Match," had to feel more like a nightmare as Pacquiao dominated all facets of the bout from start to its early finish.

While that night probably signaled the end, the reigning pound-for-pound champ Pacquaio said the boxing world owes De La Hoya a debt of gratitude.

"I am very happy for Oscar and his family," Pacquiao said in a statement. "I think he made the correct decision. Fighters of my generation owe him a great debt. I wish him nothing but the best."

De La Hoya, who was joined by his wife, Millie, and father, Joel, as well as Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer, comedian George Lopez and Oscar-nominated actor and former fighter Mickey Rourke at the news conference dedicated his Hall of Fame career to his father and grandfather.

"I remember the times when he would take me to the gym and never gave up on me," said De La Hoya, who started the sport at age 5. "We've lived some tough moments inside the ring, we've been through everything, but my father was always there for me. Thank you for pushing me as hard as you can."

Joel De La Hoya reciprocated his son's fond sentiment with his a statement of admiration for his skills and determination.

"I marvel at my son's success and know that all of the hard work and dedication he had when he was a kid and during the formative years of his boxing training made him the champion he became," said Joel De La Hoya Sr.  "I am extremely proud of my son and know he has achieved everything possible in the ring.  It is now time for him to enjoy his family and pursue in earnest all of the other opportunities that await him."

De La Hoya — who compiled a career record of 39 wins against six losses, with 30 knockouts — left an undeniable legacy in a sport that saw him win titles in six weight divisions.

The 1992 Olympic gold medalist, who is the highest-grossing star in the history of the sport, told the hundreds of fans in attendance that he would still be a visible presence in boxing as a promoter through his Golden Boy Promotions.

De La Hoya reiterated his announcement in Spanish for his loyal legion of Mexican fans and closed by thanking his wife, his family, and all his fans.

"In closing, I want to acknowledge my wonderful wife Millie, my children and my entire family who have been extremely supportive and patient with me, sacrificing a tremendous amount of our time together in order for me to pursue my career," De La Hoya said. "Now it is time for me to be there for them."

"My career has been nothing short of magical and I am forever grateful to all of the people who made it possible," continued De La Hoya.  "Most importantly I deeply appreciate all of my fans who showered me with their cheers and support, consistently holding me up throughout my 17-year professional career.  I believe the true meaning of my career was not in the winning or losing, but in the gift of sharing my fights with all of them, as I never imagined it would mean so much to so many.  It has been an honor to fight all of my fights for each and every one of you."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.