Oscar De La Hoya has been hospitalized with COVID-19, and says his battle with the virus has literally “kicked his a–!”
The legendary boxer announced the unfortunate situation on Instagram, where had shared a video message from his hospital bed. The fighter is scheduled to face off against UFC champion Viktor Belfort at Staples Center on September 11. We are guessing the bout will now have to be postponed.
“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,” Oscar wrote.
Oscar De La Hoya Describes Brutal COVID-19 Battle!
He continued, “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.”
De La Hoya included a video of himself from inside of the hospital explaining just how terrible the situation actually is…saying, “I mean, what are the chances of me getting COVID? I’ve been taking care of myself and this really, really kicked my a–.”
According to the Los Angeles Times, Evander Holyfield has been tapped to replace De La Hoya for the fight, but the new situation is reportedly unlikely to be approved by the California State Athletic Commission. The diagnosis comes just five months after the boxer announced his return to boxing. He hasn’t stepped into the ring since his 2008 loss to Manny Pacquiao.
Read The Stunning Details!
The worst part, De La Hoya felt good leading into the fight — telling ESPN, “Look, it’s been a long time, yes” adding “But actually my jab feels faster than ever. I have to make sure that my conditioning is perfect, my health is good.”
Interestingly, Oscar’s ex-wife and mother to his children — Shanna Moakler — posted a supporting message on Instagram, saying, “You got this champ! We are rooting for you! 👊🏼💪🏼” Triller, who is putting on the fight, hasn’t announced exactly what will happen, but the CEO commented, saying, “Oscar get well soon. You’re a fighter and you will fight through this as well and come out stronger than ever and ready to fight.”
Oscar De La Hoya’s Fight Possibly Still On?!
Boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard issued a statement sending prayers in the boxer’s direction. “Oscar just wanted you to know that my thoughts and prayers are headed your way my friend and God Bless!” he wrote.
Of course, the boxer’s loyal fanbase flooded his social media with messages of support and pumping him up to beat the virus. “It’s okay brother. Major prayers. This is a minor setback, you have a bigger comeback coming. I know it’s hard to foresee why this obstacle is being presented. Right now just focus on getting better. Keep that mental health and positivity at the forefront. Get well soon,” one person wrote.
At this point, everyone is just hoping he can beat the virus and get released from the hospital. The fight will have to wait!
