De La Hoya excited about opportunity to visit troops

Oscar De La Hoya has been retired for more than two years now. He keeps busy as president of his promotional firm, Golden Boy Promotions. He spends time on his charitable foundation. And he loves to play golf.

The future Hall of Famer has added another, more profound endeavor to his to-do list: De La Hoya is going to visit U.S. troops in the Middle East soon as part of a USO/Armed Forces Entertainment tour

The timing of the trip and his destinations aren’t available for security reasons.

De La Hoya said he’s very excited.

“I can’t really explain how I feel,” he said during a media workout to promote the Saul Alvarez-Matthew Hatton fight Saturday on HBO.  “I just can’t wait to do it. I know it’s only for a few days but I want to experience what they’re experiencing.

“It’s something I felt I had to do.”

What prompted him?

“When you’re retired, you start digging for things that you didn’t do during your career,” he said. “… I should’ve done this a long time ago. It’s never too late, though. I’m sure it will be a great experience. I’m going to hang out with them, sign autographs, take pictures, anything to boost their morale. That’s the bottom, to boost their morale. These guys are out there fighting for us, protecting us. I’m already getting calls telling me some of (the troops) know I’m coming. I’m really excited."

"I think along with my (Olympic) gold medal, this is the most-satisfying thing you can do for your country."

De La Hoya will be joined by Golden Boy prospects Adrien Broner, Danny Jacobs and Seth Mitchell.