Editor’s note: This article was originally published on MMAJunkie.com.
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If Oscar De La Hoya is a man of his word, Vitor Belfort is going to enjoy a quite significant size advantage in their Sept. 11 boxing match.
Speaking at an open workout session in Los Angeles, De La Hoya on Wednesday revealed that he’s already comfortably under the 185-pound limit set for the match but plans on shedding a few more pounds, as well.
“The weight limit is 185, but I’m going to come in at 175, strong like an ox,” De La Hoya said. “I’m at 180 right now.”
De La Hoya (39-6 Boxing), an Olympic gold medalist, hasn’t competed professionally since 2008 and never competed at a weight higher than 160 pounds, though the majority of his biggest wins came at 147 pounds or below.
Meanwhile, Belfort (26-14 MMA) won a UFC title at 205 pounds, though he did spend a significant portion of his career at 185 pounds, including his most recent appearance at UFC 224 in May 2018.
De La Hoya said he understands some people may see the size difference as a real problem, but he doesn’t feel the same.
“I’m the underdog because the bettors don’t believe in me, but I finally put the train back on the rails,” De La Hoya said. “I’m not a betting man or a gambler, but I would put a lot of money on me. I’m going to surprise people on how I do it. I’ve been training smart. I’ve been very motivated in training since we opened camp.”
De La Hoya and Belfort headline the Triller Fight Club event on Sept. 11 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, and “The Golden Boy” promises it will be a memorable affair.
“I’m going to give the fans a war,” De La Hoya said. “I’ve been studying Marvin Hagler vs. Thomas Hearns for a reason. I want a fight, a war.
“I have a good chin, and I can take the punch. I know Vitor Belfort has the same mentality.”
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