CONOR McGREGOR could be set to fight boxing legend Oscar De Le Hoya in a boxing bout after he was called out by the 1992 Olympic gold medallist.
The 47-year-old – who hung up his gloves in 2008 after being pummelled by Manny Pacquiao – claimed the Notorious wouldn’t last more than two rounds with him.
De La Hoya established himself as a fearsome puncher during his 16-year professional career, where he won world titles in six different weight classes.
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And he believes he would be too big and strong for UFC star McGregor, who is himself a two-weight world champion.
Speaking of how he would fare against the Irishman in an interview with State of Combat, he said: “Oh come on brother, two rounds.
“One thing about me, I went for the kill, always.
“Look, 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.”
McGregor took to social media upon hearing Golden Boy’s comments, where he insisted he will gladly step back inside the squared circle again.
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He simply tweeted: “I accept your challenge.”
The MMA ace has just one professional fight to his name – a 2017 stoppage defeat against Floyd Mayweather in 2017.
Like De La Hoya, Paulie Malignaggi believes he has McGregor’s number, while Saul Alvarez is another fighter understood to be willing to face him.
Should McGregor and De La Hoya ever meet inside the ring, they would both go into the contest fully confident of winning by knockout.
De La Hoya was involved in 45 fights during his career – winning 39 – with 30 of his victories coming by way of KO.
And he’s a man that starts off fast, with 18 of his stoppages coming inside the first four round.
McGregor’s punching power is also to be feared.
Out of his 26 bouts inside the Octagon, he has emerged victorious in 22 occasions – with 19 KOs.
Another fast starter, 15 of those knockouts have come in the first round, with his last fight against Donald Cerrone lasting just 40 seconds.
He would go into the clash as the smaller man tho standing at 5ft 9in, compared to the 5 ft 10-and-a-half frame of De La Hoya.
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Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
