Oscar De La Hoya, 47, hints at Canelo Alvarez fight next year as boxing legend targets sensational comeback

OSCAR DE LA HOYA has refused to rule out a fight against Saul Alvarez as he targets a return to the ring in 2021.

The 47-year-old Golden Boy chief - who has promoted Canelo for a decade - hasn't fought since he was destroyed by Manny Pacquiao in 2008.

But the 1992 Olympic gold medalist - who won 11 world titles in his glittering career in six different weight classes - is considering stepping out of retirement.

There had been talk of De La Hoya facing MMA star Conor McGregor after the American stated in an interview he would knock out the Notorious inside two rounds.

And now the 39-6 fighter has hinted he could face Canelo once he steps back inside the squared circle as he follows Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield in returning.

Speaking to about his comeback, De La Hoya - who wants to compete in the light-middleweight division - said: "I can do some damage to a few fighters out there.

"Skill is involved, and my power, you never lose power. Maybe my timing might be off a little, but that’s something I’m going to have to figure out when you’re up there.

“There’s a lot that’s going to come into play, and I strongly feel I can do it. I’m working with a small team in Pasadena.

"Nobody that the people would know out there that has a name, but they’re helping me out to make sure I get in shape, and I don’t get injured."

When asked about a possible fight against Canelo, he stated: "I don’t know. I’m crazy but not that crazy.

"Canelo is an amazing fighter, he’s the best, he’s a pound-for-pound champ, and he hits like a mule.

“You’re throwing me in the fire here. That’s a challenge. I never back down from anybody, but we’ll have to wait and see."

As for Alvarez's next fight, which is scheduled for September 12, De La Hoya said talks are being held with a number of boxers with an announcement to be made in the near future.