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Oscar De La Hoya says he ‘can’t wait to get back in the ring’ as Covid-hit boxing icon gives update after hospital scare

OSCAR DE LA HOYA is out of hospital after contracting coronavirus.

The boxing legend saw his big ring return cancelled after falling ill, with fellow Hall-Of-Famer Evander Holyfield stepping in to fight UFC hero Vitor Belfort.

Oscar De La Hoya has given his fans an update as he has left hospital
De La Hoya had recently shared a video of him in a hospital bed

Now the 48-year-old American has shared a video on social media of how things are going.

He said: “Hey guys, I’m out of the hospital. I was in there three days, Covid hit me really hard.

“I was in the best shape of my life and I really can’t wait to get back in the ring.

“Thank you very much for all your well wishes and all your support, IK appreciate it.”

De La Hoya has not battled between the ropes since he was stopped by Manny Pacquiao in December 2008.

He had shared a video online from his hospital bed, saying that the disease had ‘really kicked my ass.’

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But the coach of the man he was supposed to fight is ‘sceptical’ that De La Hoya even contracted Covid-19.

Derik Santos told Vegas Insider: “I’m not trying to disrespect Oscar, I saw the video of Oscar.

“But if I’m being honest, I’m still sceptical. Something about it didn’t seem right.

“The level of how bad it looked. I know you can still get Covid if you’re double vaccinated, but it didn’t seem right.

“Maybe he realised we were taking the fight seriously, I don’t know.”

“As far as I know, their side didn’t try to jump out and reschedule like others have, so yeah, I’m a little sceptical.

“I think he thought, ‘What have I got myself into’ – he even posted this. We were going in there to give him a very good boxing match. We were ready.

“If the man does have Covid then I wish him a good recovery, I’m just mildly sceptical.”

Belfort, 44, will instead face Evander Holyfield in the Triller fight, with the contest moved to Florida after the California State Athletic Commission refused to sanction the new opponent.

At 58, former heavyweight king Holyfield last fought a decade ago but has been planning a comeback for some time.