De La Hoya blog: I'm making comeback ... against Shaq

Oscar De La Hoya reveals that he's making a comeback ... on Shaquille O'Neal's reality television series.

I’m making my comeback. I’m going to fight Shaquille O’Neal. Apparently he called me out.

It’s a real fight, nothing sanctioned or anything, but a real fight. I’m literally training and getting ready for him. I know one of his big fists can knock me down –- or knock me out -- at any moment. I have to be ready.

Actually, it’s his new reality series, “Shaq Vs.,” on ABC. He’s going up against elite athletes in various sports. With me, he’ll be fighting. I believe he’ll be riding a bicycle against Lance Armstrong. (Chuckles.) I’ll be flying to L.A. to set it up, to go over the format. We’re supposed to do it sometime in September.

I’m actually in training, though, jogging a few miles, getting into shape. And, yes, I’m going to throw punches as hard as I can. That’s for sure. Man, this guy’s a monster. This is a real fight, although we’re doing it with head gear.

I’m sure they’ll want to protect him as much as possible, have him wear a body suit … or a suit of armor. But, hey, I’ll do it with no head gear. I don’t care. Just give me a mouth piece and four-ounce gloves and I’m ready to go. The competitive juices are flowing again.

He’s big, though. I think I’ll have to jump in order to hit him in the stomach. I’m not afraid of this guy, though. No way.

And, hey, if I don’t win, at least I can say, “Pick on somebody your own size.”

I’m actually looking forward to it. I’ve known Shaq for many years. It’s all in good fun … I hope.

Note: “Shaq Vs.” premieres on Aug. 18. O’Neal will compete against Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in football in the first episode.