Oscar De La Hoya
Oscar De La Hoya is seriously considering a stunning return to the ring Getty

Oscar De La Hoya is considering a return to boxing seven years after his retirement, but is only interested in fighting Gennady Golovkin or old rival Floyd Mayweather .

De La Hoya, 42, last fought in 2008, when he was comfortably beaten by Manny Pacquaio. He has remained strongly involved in the sport since, working with his promotional company Golden Boy.

Just last week, the former six-weight world champion said he was "content" with retirement and ruled out the possibility of a return bout with Mayweather, who had recently indicated he is open to a rematch of their controversial 2007 bout.

But De La Hoya, who retired with a 39-6-0 record, now says a return to the ring is a very real prospect.

"It's got to be worth my while but this is very serious," De La Hoya told ESPN. "I have to make sure I am fighting the very best. I don't have to come back for financial reasons or the lights or the glamour. The only reason I would come back is because I miss the competition of fighting the very best.

"I feel amazing. In my life right now, I have so much motivation. I am so hungry and so determined. My plan is long-term with Golden Boy, with me personally, my family, my business. I am young, I am healthy and I feel great – 42 is the new 32."

De La Hoya's meeting with Mayweather eight years ago ended on a split decision. The undefeated American has one more fight on his current Showtime contract after beating Manny Pacquiao in May and De La Hoya is keen on another showdown with the welterweight king, although WBA and IBO middleweight champion Golovkin has also been considered.

"I just feel good and when I walk the streets, everyone tells me: 'You have to fight Floyd again, you have to fight Golovkin. You can do it, you can do it,'" he said.

"I just feel great physically. I've been taking care of myself. I've been doing the Bernard Hopkins lifestyle. You can turn the clock back to a certain time.

"I want to fight one of them because they are the best and I always fought the best. That's what boxing is all about – fighting the best."

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