BOXING legend Oscar De La Hoya believes he could knock Conor McGregor out inside two rounds… despite retiring 12 years ago.
The 47-year-old American hung up his gloves in 2008 after losing a high-profile bout with Manny Pacquiao.
Oscar De La Hoya backs himself to beat Conor McGregorCredit: Handout – Getty
De La Hoya, a lineal champion in three weight divisions, won 39 of his 45 fights throughout his illustrious career.
And he believes he could make it 40 following his latest jibe aimed at the Notorious.
Speaking to State of Combat, he 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.”
The UFC superstar took the leap of faith to box undefeated American Floyd Mayweather in 2017 which lasted ten rounds.
The scrap threatened to tarnish boxing having been dubbed the richest fight of all time with a £105million purse.
De La Hoya was not shy in sharing his thoughts on the bout labelling the pair a “disgrace.”
He said at the time: “F*** YOU Mayweather vs McGregor BOTH OF YOU ARE DISRESPECTING THE SPORT OF BOXING.”
There have been rumours that the duo could be locked in a dramatic rematch.
And McGregor admits that a second fight would end differently having improved his technique.
He said: “I actually look at the Mayweather [fight], the shots on the bag and the way I was punching and I actually can’t even watch that.
“I shiver when I see the way I was throwing my punches back then. I just wasn’t sitting right on them, just floating through the air.
“Now I’m getting into positions and sitting in. Got to go through everything to learn, to truly learn. Experience is the best teacher of all.”
Conor McGregor fought Floyd Mayweather in the ring in 2017Credit: Rex Features
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Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
