Former six-division world champion Oscar De La Hoya was set to make his return to professional boxing on 11th September, but due to contracting COVID-19, that much anticipated comeback is now pushed back indefinitely.
Nonetheless, “Golden Boy” is now discharged from the hospital and is on full focused on getting back into the squared circle again.
De La Hoya was supposed to face off former UFC champion Vitor Belfort, but after contracting the virus, De La Hoya was replaced by Evander Holyfield who will now square off against Belfort this Friday night.
De La Hoya out of the hospital, Holyfield-Belfort receives full sanctioning
Following his admission to the hospital, De La Hoya took to Instagram to share how he felt about his pro comeback getting jeopardised, but addressed that he expects to get back in the ring by the end of this year.
Now, fresh out of the hospital, the 48-year-old said that he is confident that he will return to the boxing ring as soon as possible, as well as showing gratitude towards those who supported him and wished him well.
“Hey guys, I am out of the hospital. I was in there for 3 days. COVID hit me really hard. I was in the best shape of my life and I really can’t wait to get back in the ring. Thank you very much for all your well wishes and all your support. I appreciate it,” De La Hoya’s post read.
Meanwhile, the Holyfield vs Belfort fight has received full sanctioning by the Florida State Boxing Commission and has been approved as a professional boxing match. This means that while De La Hoya’s pro boxing comeback is now delayed, its a comeback to professional boxing for Holyfield after more than a decade.
On top of that, Belfort will also be having his professional boxing comeback, fifteen years after his first and only pro boxing appearance.
An official statement from Patrick Cunningham, Executive Director of the Florida State Boxing Commission confirmed Holyfield vs Belfort to be a sanctioned fighrt, to be held under Unified Rules of Boxing. It will be fought over eight rounds and will be scored by three judges on the 10-point system.
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