WBO middleweight champion Oscar de la Hoya has called his 18 September summit with WBC, WBA and IBF holder Bernard Hopkins his "last hurrah" in boxing.
The 31-year-old underdog did not rule out a farewell fight after the hyped Las Vegas bout, but he said beating Hopkins would be his last major coup.
"This is the fight of my life and I'm working very hard" said De la Hoya.
"Every time I go into the gym I am leaving a part of myself. We as a team are winding down my career."
"Golden Boy" De la Hoya, the 1992 Olympic gold medallist who has won titles at six weights, does not believe he will go out a loser as many experts are predicting.
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In the ring, I hate Hopkins and I'll destroy him on 18 September
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"In my last fight I wasn't in great shape at all and that was my fault," he said.
"But I still threw over 1000 punches in that, despite the shape I was in and I will throw more at Hopkins.
"He is my enemy. Bernard may be a nice guy but, in the ring, I hate him and I'll destroy him on 18 September."
De La Hoya could earn up to £17m from the fight, while 39-year-old Hopkins has said he'll earn around £6m.
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