Monday 29 June 2015 16:12, UK
Six-weight world champion Oscar De La Hoya has finally ruled out making a comeback at the age of 42.
The American caused a stir earlier in the month when he suggested he would return to the ring for the first time since 2008 - naming Floyd Mayweather Jr and Gennady Golovkin as potential opponents.
The likes of his friend Ricky Hatton warned against the idea and, after lengthy consultation with his family, the head of Golden Boy Promotions has confirmed he will stay retired.
A statement from De La Hoya said: "Over the last six months I've had a front row seat as Golden Boy fighters including Canelo Alvarez, Bernard Hopkins, Lucas Matthysse, Jorge Linares and David Lemieux have stepped into the ring and shown what boxing should be all about - a commitment to fight the best, to respect the sport and to put the fans first.
"As a professional athlete and someone who has spent almost his entire life in boxing, not a day goes by when I don't think about coming back - and the performances of these Golden Boy fighters has only added to my desire to return to the ring.
I am retired, and after speaking to my family and following a great deal of introspection, I have decided to stay retired.
"But I am retired, and after speaking to my family and following a great deal of introspection, I have decided to stay retired.
"However, I do so with knowledge that many fighters today still pride themselves on the same principles that I adhered to throughout my career. It is now through boxers like those I mentioned and dozens of other Golden Boy Promotions fighters that those values live on.
"To the many thousands of fans who over the last couple of weeks encouraged me to come out of retirement and fight again, I thank you. You can rest assured that I will spend the rest of my days around this wonderful sport, even though those days won't be spent inside the ropes."
De La Hoya last fought against Manny Pacquiao in December 2008 when he was stopped in eight rounds, calling time on his career with a record of 39-6-0-KO30.
