OSCAR DE LA HOYA’s fight comeback has been mocked by Dana White.
The UFC president has enjoyed a frosty relationship over the years with boxer-turned-promoter De La Hoya, who announced his plans to return to the ring last week.
When asked about the 47-year-old’s comeback at last night’s UFC post-fight press conference, White made reference to De La Hoya’s previous drug use.
He said: “Cocaine isn’t cheap.
“It’s expensive. You’ve got to make money.”
De La Hoya retired in April 2009, four months after defeat to Manny Pacquaio marked his fourth loss in seven fights.
He has battled alcohol and substance addiction in the years since.
De La Hoya earned the nickname Golden Boy during his 16 years as a professional.
But his squeaky-clean image was tarnished in 2011 after he was admitted to a rehab clinic in California and confessed to cheating on his wife as well as his struggles with addiction.
De La Hoya has made it clear he will not be following in the footsteps of Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr by putting on an exhibition match for his comeback, and is looking to add to his 39-6 professional record.
De La Hoya said: “Any top guy, any top guy out there.
“All these fighters are not at the level that was 15, 20 years [ago].”
De La Hoya, who won Olympic gold at Barcelona 1992, won 11 world titles across six different weight categories in his 16-year professional career.
He is ranked as the 13th-best pound-for-pound boxer of all time by BoxRec.
De La Hoya has already been called out by Amir Khan since announcing his comeback plans.
