Eddie Alvarez says ‘serious talks’ ongoing for boxing match with Oscar De La Hoya

Eddie Alvarez’s streak of unfortunate luck seems to have changed rather quickly.

The former UFC lightweight champion recently suffered a controversial disqualification loss to Iuri Lapicus at ONE on TNT 1 this past Wednesday after the referee deemed punches landed from Alvarez landed to the back of the head of his opponent.

While Alvarez was left visibly heartbroken by the result, it appears former world champion boxer Oscar De La Hoya has circled the name of “The Underground Kid” as a potential opponent for his return fight in July. In a recent interview with ESPN, Alvarez confirmed that is the case.

“Recently we’ve been hearing from Oscar De La Hoya’s guys,” Alvarez said. “Look, I’m fixated on the ONE Championship belt. I’m laser, laser focused on making history and getting my world title, but I feel like there’s gonna be a lull. The champion is gonna sit for a bit—I think he’s having a baby. If that happens, Oscar De La Hoya and them guys have been reaching out and, hell, I’d love to get in there and mix it up with him. That’d be a hell of a fight and I’ve got everyone here in Philadelphia backing me, and the whole Philadelphia boxing [community] to back me up.”

During the Jake Paul vs. Ben Askren press conference in March, De La Hoya joined rapper Snoop Dogg on stage to announce he is returning to the ring.

“July 3, I’m making my comeback,” De La Hoya stated before dropping the microphone.

According to Alvarez, the talks between the two teams have gotten quite serious. In fact, they’ve gotten so serious that a deal could get done to book the matchup within the next few days. MMA Fighting confirmed from sources close to the situation that talks are indeed ongoing for the bout to take place.

“Getting in there to mix it up with that guy would be a dream come true,” Alvarez stated. “I actually think I’d do pretty damn good against him. I’d be crazy excited about that if them guys figure that out.

“There’s serious talks. They’re serious like wanting to get a deal done this week serious.”