JAKARTA - Former boxer Oscar De La Hoya has canceled his comeback fight next week after testing positive for COVID-19 and having to undergo treatment at the hospital.
De La Hoya was originally scheduled to take on former Brazilian MMA fighter Viktor Belfort at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on September 11, marking the legend's return to the ring after retiring after losing to Manny Pacquiao in 2008.
However, this plan failed to materialize. In a video posted on Twitter, De La Hoya said that he is currently being treated in hospital despite having received a COVID-19 vaccination.
"I want you to know that although I have fully received the vaccine, I have contracted COVID-19 so I can't fight next weekend," De La Hoya said.
"I've prepared everything over the past few months to prepare for this comeback, and I want to thank everyone for their incredible support."
Following the cancellation, the 48-year-old hinted that he hoped to reschedule his fight and return to the ring by the end of this year.
"I'm currently in hospital receiving treatment and I'm sure I'll be back in the ring before the end of the year," he said.
After the withdrawal of De La Hoya, it is not yet known regarding the plans for the continuation of the Belfort fight next week.
But a report says organizers are targeting former world class champion Evander Holyfield as a possible opponent to replace De La Hoya against Belfort. Holyfield himself has not fought since 2011.
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