OSCAR DE LA HOYA is aiming for ‘the biggest comeback in boxing history’ and wants to rematch Floyd Mayweather in his third return fight.
The American boxing legend has not fought since 2008, when Manny Pacquaio brutally sent him into retirement.
In the 13 years since, he has focussed his efforts in promoting his Golden Boy stable.
But last year De La Hoya, 48, announced plans to make a comeback, after heavyweight icon Mike Tyson, 54, did the same.
The former six-weight champion faces former UFC veteran Vitor Belfort, 44, on his return to the ring in an exhibition on September 11.
But according to De La Hoya, it is only the start, as he plans to remarkably rule the boxing world once more.
He told DAZN: “I want to make the biggest comeback in boxing history.
“I want to get two of these fights down under my belt, and get the timing ready and everything, and then my third one, I want to call out Floyd Mayweather.”
De La Hoya was the only fighter to ever receive a split-decision against Mayweather, who won their 2007 super-fight narrowly on the cards.
It sold a then-record 2.4million pay-per-view buys and did include a rematch clause at the time.
On This Day!
Mayweather v De La Hoya
13 years ago today, Pound-4-Pound superstars @FloydMayweather & @OscarDeLaHoya fought each other in a hugely anticipated fight
Here are the highlights!
pic.twitter.com/0NZu9fVWN3
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) May 5, 2020
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But after Mayweather briefly retired after beating Ricky Hatton the same year, the second fight never materialised.
The 50-0 unbeaten icon, who officially retired in 2017 after beating Conor McGregor, 32, was most recently in the ring against YouTuber Logan Paul.
Mayweather, to the surprise of many, was unable to knock out Paul, 26, in their eight-round exhibition, meaning no official winner was declared.
Afterwards, he poured cold water on fighting again, as he admitted: “As far as me coming back in the sport of boxing, absolutely not.
“As far as me doing an exhibition again probably not.”
But still, De La Hoya is holding out hope to finally get a second crack at Mayweather, who he believes will be tempted back into the ring again.
He said: “I think Floyd after that exhibition he did with with Logan, I think Floyd has — I think he’s feeling like he has to prove something once again inside the boxing ring.
“So look, if I come out OK, my body feels great — I’m telling you, may jab feels faster than ever.
“I think it’s the 15 years I didn’t use it. If I feel good these next two fights that I have, I’m going to call out Floyd.”
