Oscar De La Hoya knew it was time to retire after Manny Pacquiao pummeled him into submission in December. Still, he wavered another four months before persuading himself to let go.
De La Hoya ended a 16-year career in which he won 10 world titles in six divisions and became boxing's most popular fighter.
"These four months have been very difficult for me," the 36-year-old native of East Los Angeles told hundreds of fans gathered Tuesday at an outdoor plaza across from Staples Center.
"This decision was based on making sure, first of all, that I do not disappoint anyone when I step inside the ring, that I don't disappoint myself, and I make sure that I can watch my kids grow up."
De La Hoya was thoroughly beaten by Pacquiao in his last fight, his fourth loss in his last seven bouts. He had not defeated a formidable opponent since Fernando Vargas in 2002. Age and diminished skills led to losses in recent years to Felix Trinidad, Shane Mosley, Bernard Hopkins and Floyd Mayweather Jr.
He won his last title in May 2006, beating Ricardo Mayorga in six rounds for the WBC 154-pound belt. He finished with a record of 39-6 and 30 knockouts.
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