Oscar De La Hoya vs Vitor Belfort now has a location set.
ESPN’s Mike Coppinger reports that the boxing match will go down inside the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
“Triller’s Sept. 11 event featuring the Oscar De La Hoya vs. Vitor Belfort fight will be staged at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Triller’s Ryan Kavanaugh tells ESPN. L.A. home to De La Hoya; Staples Center host of Oscar’s first fight with Shane Mosley.”
Initially, this was supposed to be an exhibition match. Coppinger also reports that this has been changed to a pro boxing bout.
“Oscar De La Hoya-Vitor Belfort no longer being planned as an exhibition, Triller’s Ryan Kavanaugh tells ESPN. Now a real fight. Eight two-minute rounds contested at 180 pounds (+5 pounds). Per sources, preliminarily approved by California commission. Sept. 11 at Staples Center.”
Triller’s Ryan Kavanaugh told ESPN that it was De La Hoya who demanded that the bout be changed to pro rules.
“(Oscar) is the one who said ‘I’m in the best shape of my life, f- – – this exhibition B.S.’ I’m going for real.’ None of this ballroom dancing boxing has had to endure. Both of them are in incredible shape.”
This will be De La Hoya’s first trip back to the ring since a 2009 exhibition match for charity with former NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal. It’ll be his first pro boxing bout since 2008 when he was stopped by Manny Pacquiao.
Belfort has had just one pro boxing match back in 2006. He knocked out Josemario Neves in the first round.
De La Hoya has admitted that he’s unsure what he’s gotten himself into. Despite the significant edge in boxing experience, Belfort has been more active in combat sports in recent years. Belfort has opened up as the slight betting favorite over De La Hoya.
