The boxing match between Oscar De La Hoya and former UFC champion Vitor Belfort has a firm date and location as the bout nears.
Originally expected to take place in Las Vegas, the fight has shifted to Staples Center in Los Angeles, with a firm Sept. 11 date now set, Triller head Ryan Kavanaugh told ESPN on Wednesday. The fight was later announced in press release. No other bouts have been announced for the lineup at this time.
De La Hoya vs. Belfort originally was deemed an exhibition, but that too, has changed, with the fight now sanctioned at light heavyweight (175 pounds with a five-pound allowance) and scheduled for eight rounds by the California State Athletic Commission
Belfort, who turned 44 in April, has not fought since UFC 224 in May 2018. He announced his retirement after his loss to fellow former champ Lyoto Machida. But the following year, he signed with ONE Championship. And in April 2020, he announced his promotional debut, which never happened, and he’s no longer tied to the Asian promotion.
The 48-year-old De La Hoya is an Olympic gold medalist who held many boxing titles in multiple weight classes throughout his distinguished career. He last fought in December 2008 and lost to Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas. Since then, his business pursuits have been at the forefront, particularly his Golden Boy Promotions company. That promotion put on the Chuck Liddell vs. Tito Ortiz trilogy in November 2018.