Jason Burgos
Oscar De La Hoya suggested over the weekend that he could be the next boxing legend to return to the ring. But a response from Terence Crawford perfectly explained why the 53-year-old should stop.
Boxing greats returning to the ring a decade or more after their prime has become common in the sport recently. Mike Tyson has had a pair of exhibition fights since 2020 despite being deep into his 50s. Manny Pacquiao had a championship fight last year at age 46. And Floyd Mayweather announced plans last week to end his exhibition tour for an official fight in September.
After this weekend, boxing fans may have to add gold medal winner De La Hoya to that list. Following a big win from Golden Boy fighter Ryan Garcia, De La Hoya posted a video on Instagram of him shadowboxing in the backyard and added, “Inspired by last night. My journey begins today.”
In the video, the six-division champion looked in very good shape and was moving quite well. On the surface, he looked like a man up to the task of having one more fight. Then a comment on the post from Terence Crawford showed why a return to the ring might be a bad idea.
“Move yo head, champ, and give me some upper body movement,” Crawford wrote.
It’s a smart and sincere critique of the video. But it also points out why a return wouldn’t be worth the dangers. While Oscar De La Hoya’s hand movement looked great and his feet were solid, there was no head or shoulder movement whatsoever. His chin would be a non-moving target for potential opponents.
Considering the success De La Hoya has had as a promoter, getting some brain damage for one more moment of glory does not seem worth it.
