Vitor Belfort opens as betting favorite over Oscar De La Hoya in exhibition boxing match
Vitor Belfort may only have one professional boxing match to his credit, but that’s apparently enough for oddsmakers to favor him over a living legend of the pugilistic world.
Belfort opened as a betting favorite to defeat Oscar De La Hoya in the pair’s upcoming exhibition boxing match, which is slated for Sept. 11 at an upcoming Triller event. According to odds posted Thursday by BetOnline, Belfort opened as a -140 favorite while De La Hoya opened as a underdog at even money.
It’s worth noting that because the match is an exhibition and the rules have yet to be determined, it’s possible that knockout or disqualification may be the only method of victory unless both fighters ultimately agree to include judges into the proceedings as well.
Belfort (26-14, 1 NC) is a former UFC light heavyweight champion who unsuccessfully challenged for another UFC belt three additional times in the back half of his 22-year career before retiring from MMA in 2018 following a loss to Lyoto Machida. In 2019, Belfort signed with ONE Championship but ultimately never competed for the promotion.
“The Phenom” is 1-0 in the lone boxing match of his run, having defeated Josemario Neves in 61 seconds back in 2006.
De La Hoya (45-6) captured 11 titles across six divisions during his reign as one of the most popular and successful pugilists of his era. His return against Belfort marks his first boxing match since a 2008 loss to Manny Pacquiao. At 48 years old, he is four years Belfort’s elder.
De La Hoya vs. Belfort will to be contested with 12-ounce gloves. More details about the event are expected be determined in the coming weeks.