Oscar De La Hoya Admits He Dodged A Bullet By Not Boxing Vitor Belfort

Oscar De La Hoya says he dodged a bullet by not boxing Vitor Belfort last September.

De La Hoya was set to make his comeback against the former UFC champion but shortly before the event, he got COVID-19 and was forced to pull out. He was replaced by Evander Holyfield who Belfort knocked out quickly and now De La Hoya says he dodged a bullet by not taking the fight.

“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 told 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 [were on point], the videos that I posted [on me training], they were legit. 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,” De La Hoya continued. “I’m glad that I got over [COVID-19] and I didn’t fight, and now I can just sit back and relax and grow some gray hairs promoting fighters. I’m done [as far as fighting]. Everything happens for a reason, and I’m glad that I didn’t come back.”

With Oscar De La Hoya ending any chances of him coming back he ends his career with a record of 39-6 and his last fight will be the stoppage loss to Manny Pacquiao in 2008.

What do you make of Oscar De La Hoya saying he dodged a bullet by not boxing Vitor Belfort?