Belfort quotes YouTubers to warn De La Hoya about boxing challenge: 'I'm a real fighter'

O. De La Hoya (left) and V. Belfort (right) will face each other on September 11th, under boxing rules. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

One of the pioneers of MMA in the world, Vitor belfort does not hide his excitement for the challenge against Oscar De La Hoya under the rules of boxing. Opponent of the Olympic champion and boxing legend on September 11th, the Brazilian, however, has an important message for his rival. In a press conference to promote the show, the former UFC fighter mentioned y to alert the veteran about the challenges that will be imposed in the ring.

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“Oscar will face a real fighter. It's not like (Floyd) Mayweather, looking for a youtuber which has one defeat and zero victories. He's going to face a guy who, to this day, has the most knockouts in UFC history”, said the 'Phenomenon'.

At a new moment in his career, Vitor, however, does not forget Oscar's history in the sport. In a respectful tone, the Brazilian recalled the boxer's achievements, increasing responsibility for September's superfight.

“He won gold medals and I didn’t get that, because that’s one of the greatest achievements – being an Olympic champion. I think Oscar did it all. Without a doubt, he is the greatest boxer of all time and, for me, competing with him and being able to go toe-to-toe with the best boxer is a dream. It’s hard work,” he signed off.

Against De La Hoya, Belfort will return to action after more than three years of inactivity. The last performance of the Brazilian, now 44 years old, took place in May 2018, in the defeat against Lyoto Machida, which marked his farewell to the UFC. Now, the 'Phenomenon' returns for a new test in boxing.

If Vitor hasn't competed in a professional duel in three years, Oscar's wait was much longer. A multi-time boxing champion, having enjoyed his peak in the 1990s and early 2000s, the 48-year-old veteran has not stepped into a ring since 2008, when he was defeated by Manny Pacquiao.