Former super-welterweight world champion American Oscar de la Hoya has gone back on his pledge to hang up his gloves after losing last month and has vowed to continue his career.
Shane Mosley’s unanimous decision over De la Hoya on September 13 for the WBA and WBC super-welterweight boxing crowns meant De la Hoya’s record fell to 36 wins and three defeats.
De la Hoya had said before the fight he would be retiring if he lost and at the end of the 12-round bout all three cards had been marked 115-113 in Mosley’s favour.
However, during a telephone conference from his home in Puerto Rico, he said: ”I didn’t really lose that fight. So, no, I’m not going to retire. It’s full speed ahead on my career. Boxing is in my blood. One bad decision is not going to make me retire.”
De la Hoya had said moments after the bout he was prepared to spend a part of his $17-million purse on contesting the
decision but he has now made it clear he dropped the idea five to 10 minutes later.
”What made me change my mind was the response from the people, the majority of which thought I won and were extremely supportive.
”If fans are going to stick by me like that, there is no need for an investigation. The thing to do now is to stay in boxing and try to improve it,” he added. — Sapa-AFP