Hearn and De La Hoya Might Face Off: "I'll Fight for Free"

Recently, Matchroom Boxing head Eddie Hearn was asked if he’d be willing to face his Golden Boy Promotions counterpart, Oscar De La Hoya, on the undercard of a 5 vs. 5 event between their respective promotional companies.

Hearn expressed his readiness to settle things in the ring with Oscar but acknowledged that he’s unlikely to come out victorious against the former world champion. Thus, he’d agree to the bout only for the right paycheck.

“Look, if Turki Al-Sheikh decides to bring out his checkbook, I’ll put on the f***ing gloves. No question. But we’re talking eight-figure numbers here. I have a massive size advantage over Oscar, but the problem is that he’s one of the greatest P4P fighters of all time. My skills don’t match his level. So, I’d put my head on the line only for the right money,” Hearn told The Stomping Ground.

However, what started as an April Fools’ joke took an unexpected turn when Oscar De La Hoya responded to Hearn’s conditions, saying he’s willing to fight for free.

“Your Excellency, I’ll fight Eddie for free, as a gift to you. I’d enjoy it. Just need two months of training. I still have my jab and my power. I already know the combination I’d use to knock him out. It’s already in my head. I won’t reveal it, in case the fight actually happens. I think it would be a four- or five-round fight. I just want to have a bit of fun with it,” De La Hoya said.