Oscar De La Hoya has not boxed professionally for nearly 12 years. However, the 47-year-old still believes he’s got it. He appeared on CBS Sports’ “State of Combat” podcast and seemingly laid down a challenge to UFC fighter Conor McGregor.
Oscar De La Hoya says he would beat Conor McGregor
The ‘Golden Boy’ said, “One thing about me, I went for the kill, always. Look, Conor McGregor, I love him in the Octagon, I respect him. I watch him all the time, but the boxing ring is a whole different story.”
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Oscar De La Hoya on State of Combat says if he boxed Conor McGregor he'd beat him in 2 rounds:
One thing about me, I went for the kill, always. Look, Conor McGregor, I love him in the Octagon, I respect him. I watch him all the time, but the boxing ring is a whole different story— Jed I. Goodman (@jedigoodman) May 2, 2020
As per Jed Goodman’s tweet, he claimed he would be able to beat McGregor in 2 rounds. It echoes his claims in a Daily Mail article from 2017. At that time, he said, “I know I can take out Conor McGregor in two rounds. I’ll come back for that fight. Two rounds. Just one more fight. I’m calling him out. You heard it on Golden Boy Radio. Two rounds, that’s all I need.”
This is not the first time the ‘Golden Boy’ has commented about ‘Notorious.’ In 2017, he tweeted, “F*** YOU Mayweather vs McGregor BOTH OF YOU ARE DISRESPECTING THE SPORT OF BOXING.”
At the time Dana White ridiculed the tweet.
WTF?!? Is this guy snorting coke and drinking booze again??!? #OscarDeLaArum pic.twitter.com/awn2bgnWNV
— danawhite (@danawhite) August 25, 2017
However, ‘Notorious’ would have clearly understood that boxing is different after his 10th round TKO loss. The Irishman looked lethargic post the 25-minute mark and Mayweather bided his time and let the UFC fighter exhaust himself in the opening rounds. But, to his credit ‘Notorious’ was ahead on a judge’s scorecard after the first 3 rounds.
Will McGregor ever enter a boxing ring?
McGregor will always be linked to a return to boxing. After a long hiatus, he returned to competition at UFC 246 and beat Donald Cerrone in via first-round KO. Immediately after there were rumors of a 2-way fight against Terrence Crawford. Manny Pacquiao was also linked, but the ‘Golden Boy’ said one should stay in their own lane. However, he did admit it is a huge money fight.
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The UFC Lightweight fighter will want to prove himself in a boxing ring as it is in his nature. Do you see him facing the ‘Golden Boy?’ Or could we see him face former sparring partner Paulie Malignaggi? Do you have any other dream option in mind?
Paulie Malignaggi Willing to “Beat the S**t Out of “Conor McGregor in a “Winner Takes All” Match”