Hall of Fame fighter Oscar De La Hoya maintains that he’s serious about making a comeback as a fighter after officially making the announcement in August.

The six-division champion De La Hoya (39-6, 30 KOs) last fought as a professional in 2008 and was forced to quit on his stool in a loss to Manny Pacquiao, marking his fourth loss in his final six career bouts.

De La Hoya faced all of the best boxers of his era, and he proclaims he will do the same should he fight once again after a near 12-year hiatus from the sport.

“I really am considering making a comeback. I have been training. I seriously feel incredible. I feel amazing. With me, I always fought the very best, and why not? If I make the comeback in the first quarter of next year, by the way, I have slimmed down 20 pounds, it’s going to be against the very best, like always,” De La Hoya said in an Instagram Live session on Tuesday.

“None of this ducking fighters like the way fighters duck everyone today. They make it impossible because they price themselves out. It’s a huge problem … George Foreman did it, and I think I can do it as well … I feel like a million, million bucks. It's crazy.”

De La Hoya has evolved into an executive leading Golden Boy Promotions in retirement, most recently helping shape the careers of four-division champion Canelo Alvarez and undefeated rising star Ryan Garcia.

The 1992 United States Olympics gold medalist De La Hoya will be 47 years-old by the time he trades his suit for a pair of shorts and gloves.

Manouk Akopyan is a sports journalist and member of the Boxing Writers Assn. of America since 2011. He has written for the likes of the LA Times, Guardian, USA Today, Philadelphia Inquirer, Men’s Health and NFL.com. He can be reached on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube at @ManoukAkopyan or via email at manouk[dot]akopyan[at]gmail.com.