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Oscar De La Hoya’s comeback vs Vitor Belfort not an exhibition fight, to take place at Staples Center on Sep 11

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Former six-division world champion boxer Oscar De La Hoya’s comeback fight against Vitor Belfort on 11th September is not just his return to the squared circle, but it will also mark his return to professional boxing.

The fight, which was originally slated to be a part of the Triller exhibition event, has now been confirmed to be an actual sanctioned boxing match by Triller Fight Club themselves, and instead of Las Vegas, the bout will take place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.

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“It’s truly an honor to be able to announce this highly anticipated event featuring the return to the boxing ring of Oscar De La Hoya against MMA legend Vitor Belfort on Saturday, September 11,” Triller Fight Club boss Ryan Kavanaugh said in a recent media release.

ALSO READ: Oscar De La Hoya aiming Floyd Mayweather fight after Vitor Belfort on Sep 11

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I’m in better shape than I was 15 years ago: De La Hoya excited to make boxing comeback

A former WBC, WBO, and IBF titleholder during his prime, the last time “Golden Boy” was seen inside the squared circle was on 6th December 2008 when he was lost to Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Paradise, Nevada.

Now, more than 12 years later, it would be pretty predictable to see the 48-year-old coming back to the sport via exhibition boxing, but as Triller confirms it to be a completely professional fight, that means De La Hoya is breaking his over a decade long hiatus as a pro.

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“I’m very excited to announce my comeback against Vitor Belfort at STAPLES Center on Saturday, September 11 in a mega-event celebrating Mexican Independence Day,” said the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, “Triller Fight Club and My team have been working together to bring the most epic event boxing has seen in a long time. I decided if I was coming back it was for real, none of this exhibition stuff.”

Meanwhile, its also a return to pro boxing for Vitor Belfort, the former UFC light heavyweight champion who donned the sparring gloves all the way back in 2006, which remains the only pro boxing appearance for the Brazilian.

“Two warriors, one walks out the other doesn’t. Vitor Belfort is clearly a very tough MMA legend and while I’m sure he will give me a good run, a knockout is in my plan,” De La Hoya went on, “this isn’t that WWE theatrics we’ve been seeing in boxing lately, this is the real deal, a real fight with real knockouts for a real win. This is not to be missed as I’m in better shape than I was 15 years ago.” (H/T FightHype)

De La Hoya or Belfort, who do you think will win the September 11 fight? Let us know in the comments.

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Saikat Banerjee
Saikat Banerjee
A wordsmith who indulges in the world of combat sports, Saikat is an MMA, boxing, and arm wrestling content writer at The MMA India Show and The Sports Room. Apart from combat sports, he also engages in Indian sports content at The Sports India Show. Currently pursuing an MBA from Jadavpur University, Saikat's other interests lie in motorcycling, working out, and travelling.

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