Oscar De La Hoya has contracted Covid-19 and been forced to withdraw from his Pay-Per-View comeback clash against MMA fighter Vitor Belfort at the Staples Center in Los Angeles next Saturday.
De La Hoya, who has been fully vaccinated, confirmed the news in a video from his hospital bed after receiving treatment.
“Wanted you to hear directly from me that despite being fully vaccinated, I have contracted Covid and am not going to be able to fight next weekend,” said De La Hoya.
“Preparing for this comeback has been everything to me over the last months, and I want to thank everyone for their tremendous support. I am currently in the hospital getting treatment and am confident I will be back in the ring before the year is up. God bless everyone and stay safe.”
According to a report from TMZ Sports, former world heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield, now 58, is likely to step in to face Belfort, 44, on the Triller-promoted show.
If the California State Athletic Commission don’t approve Holyfield as a new opponent, the promotion could move to Florida on the shortest of notice.
Holyfield hasn’t fought since halting Brian Nielsen (WTKO10) in May 2011 whereas six-division champion De La Hoya, 48, had been retired since being overwhelmed by Manny Pacquiao (LRTD8) in December 2008.
Main image: Triller Fight Club.