(Editor’s note: This column originally published at Boxing Junkie, part of the USA TODAY Network.)
Oscar De La Hoya was rarely a sincere person during his fighting days. I always thought he said what he believed others wanted to hear or simply followed his whims. The truth wasn’t always important.
For example, at the height of his popularity in the 1990s, dozens of cameramen would line up during media events and wait their turns to interview the superstar. He would go from one to the next to the next until, to his credit, all were satisfied.
One time I followed him, listening to each interview. And I was surprised to discover that he often gave completely different answers to the exact same questions. Again, the truth didn’t matter.
That’s why I roll my eyes when I hear him say that he plans to return to the ring at 47 years old. I’ll believe it when I see it.
And he said his intention is to fight what he called “a top guy” at 154 or 160 pounds, not a fellow geezer in an exhibition, a la Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. A top guy? Can you imagine De La Hoya, out of the ring since Manny Pacquiao retired him in 2008, tangling with Jermell Charlo? Gennady Golovkin? Or (holding back laughter) Canelo Alvarez?
I never thought of De La Hoya as a genius, but he isn’t stupid. Trust me: He isn’t going to fight anyone near the ability of the champions mentioned above.
De La Hoya suffered a vicious beating to both his body and dignity against the smaller but prime Pacquiao, who stopped him in eight rounds. He wouldn’t risk
