Oscar de la Hoya throws in the towel

16 April 2009 - 02:00
By unknown
23 Jun 2001:  Oscar De La Hoya holds up
23 Jun 2001: Oscar De La Hoya holds up "6" signifying his sixth title wins in five different weight classes WBC super welterweight championship bout at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. De La Hoya won the bout by way of decision after 12 rounds. DIGITAL IMAGE Photo Credit: ©Jed Jacobsohn/ALLSPORT/Gallo Images

LOS ANGELES - Boxing legend Oscar de la Hoya hung up his gloves on Tuesday, ending a career in which he won 10 world titles in six divisions and became American boxing's most popular fighter.

LOS ANGELES - Boxing legend Oscar de la Hoya hung up his gloves on Tuesday, ending a career in which he won 10 world titles in six divisions and became American boxing's most popular fighter.

He announced his decision at an outdoor plaza across the street from Staples Centre, where a statue of the 36-year-old nicknamed Golden Boy stands.

"I've come to the conclusion that it's over," De la Hoya, from East Los Angeles, said before hundreds of fans. "It's over inside the ring for me."

De la Hoya retires four months after he was thoroughly beaten by Manny Pacquiao, his fourth loss in his last seven fights. He has not defeated a formidable opponent since Fernando Vargas in 2002.

He won his last title in May 2006, beating Ricardo Mayorga for the WBC light middleweight belt. He finished with a record of 39-6 and 30 knockouts. - Sapa-AP