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Holyfield to fight Belfort after De La Hoya contracts COVID
Oscar De La Hoya Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Oscar De La Hoya has been preparing for his first fight since 2008, but the former champion is going to have to back out.

De La Hoya tested positive for COVID-19, TMZ reports. Evander Holyfield has agreed to take De La Hoya’s place and fight Vitor Belfort on Sept. 11. The fight will need approval from the California State Athletic Commission.

TMZ reports that the fight will be moved to Florida if California will not sanction it.

Holyfield has not fought since 2011. He was supposed to have an exhibition bout against Kevin McBride earlier this year, but that was postponed and no new date was announced.

De La Hoya, 48, claimed to be in the best shape of his life heading into his fight against Belfort.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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