Oscar De La Hoya admits he dodged bullet by not fighting “monster” Vitor Belfort

De La Hoya believes he “dodged a bullet” by being forced to withdraw from his boxing return against “monster” Belfort last year, which saw the Brazilian knock out boxing legend Evander Holyfield

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Oscar De La Hoya is relieved he did not make a return to the ring against Vitor Belfort last year.

De La Hoya was set to end a 13-year hiatus from the sport and fight former MMA star Belfort in an exhibition clash. However the American was forced to withdraw from the event at short notice after being hospitalised with coronavirus.

The 49-year-old has now admitted he was lying to himself about a comeback after claiming he was in the best shape since ending his career. “I’m glad I didn’t fight this monster of a fighter because he’s a big guy, and he knows what he’s doing,” De La Hoya said on The MMA Hour. “He’s talented. As old as we were, we can still throw punches. We saw it with Evander Holyfield where he knocked him out. I think I dodged a bullet there.

“I was in great shape, but I have to admit I was lying to myself. When I was sparring, I was getting hit a lot. So I was being stubborn. I was in great shape. My reflexes the videos that I posted, they were legitimate. They were fast, my reflexes were incredible, but when I was sparring, I was getting hit too much. Everything happens for a reason.

“I’m glad I didn’t fight because obviously he’s a big guy, and he knocked out Evander Holyfield, so everything happens for a reason. I’m glad that I got over it ( COVID-19 ) and I didn’t fight, and now I can just sit back and relax and grow some grey hairs promoting fighters.”

Instead, legendary heavyweight Holyfield took the challenge at short notice despite the protests of fans who were concerned for his wellbeing. Belfort knocked out then-58-year-old Holyfield within the opening round on the Triller Fight Club card. Questions were posed by many as to how the bout was sanctioned to take place, with British boxing legend Ricky Hatton even demanding an inquest.

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De La Hoya took almost a week to recover in hospital from his severe bout of the virus, but immediately revealed fresh plans to return to the ring. However the former six-weight world champion has since made a U-turn and confirmed his intentions to stay out of the ring and focus on the running of his promotion Golden Boy Promotions.

He believes he could sell the promotional label for $1 billion in the future having fighters such as Ryan Garcia and Jaime Munguia within his stable. “I’m sitting on a billion-dollar company. And I can’t wait to get rid of it,” De La Hoya told ESPN. “And most importantly, I can’t wait to be the first boxer to be inducted into the Hall of Fame as a promoter.

“We are sitting on a gold mine. When I’m ready to leave, the time will come. But for now, that’s the reason I want the big fights to continue. It’s very important.”