Oscar De La Hoya Reveals COVID Diagnosis From Hospital, Delays Comeback Fight

BYErika Marie2.1K Views
Link Copied to Clipboard!
Amy Sussman / Staff / Getty Images
Oscar De La Hoya
He was set to return to the ring on September 11 in a fight against UFC champion Viktor Belfort.

Following the explosive revelations he shared with the Los Angeles Times about his teenage years, Oscar De La Hoya revealed that his upcoming comeback bout will have to be rescheduled. The champion boxing legend was all set to face off against UFC champion Viktor Belfort at the Staples Center in L.A. on September 11, marking his first fight since retiring back in 2008.

Boxing fans were excited about this match, however, on Friday (September 3), De La Hoya posted a video of himself in the hospital with an announcement that he is battling COVID-19.

"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," he penned in the caption to his clip. "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." In the video, he was in disbelief that he contracted the virus and added that it "really kicked my ass." Watch his video below.

About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.
...