Oscar De La Hoya says he's coming back!!!
The 47-year-old former champ insists he's gearing up for a return to boxing -- and will begin training very soon.
"The rumors are true, and I'm going to start sparring in the next few weeks," De La Hoya told ESPN's Steve Kim.
Oscar hasn't had a pro fight since December 2008, when he lost to Manny Pacquiao.
"Look, it's been a long time, yes," De La Hoya said ... "But actually my jab feels faster than ever."
"I have to make sure that my conditioning is perfect, my health is good.