Boxing great-turned-hitmaker and entrepreneur Oscar De La Hoya has announced his retirement from the ring. The Los Angeles-based fighter staged a press conference on Tuesday (14Apr09) and declared he's hanging up his gloves and robe.

De La Hoya said, "After heartfelt discussions with my family and my closest friends, it is with deep gratitude and appreciation that I announce my retirement from professional boxing. Boxing has been the single, most consistent part of my life and although I will miss the ring, I know that it is time for me to step away from the sport competitively and become more active in the other aspects of it that are already in place and ready for me to pursue."

During his career, De La Hoya won 10 championships in six weight divisions. (KL/WN/PAW)

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