Former boxing champion Oscar De La Hoya has been hospitalized with a breakthrough case of COVID-19 — forcing him to withdraw from his highly anticipated comeback bout.

The 48-year old Olympic gold medalist was slated to go up against former MMA fighter Vitor Belfort next week in a pay-per-view fight at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. It would have marked De La Hoya’s return to the ring after his loss to Manny Pacquiao in 2008.

He announced his withdrawal from the Sept. 11 matchup in a video posted on social media Friday from a hospital bed.

“Wanted you to hear directly from me that despite being fully vaccinated, I have contracted Covid and am not going to be able to fight next weekend,” he said in a tweet.

“Preparing for this comeback has been everything to me over the last months, & I want to thank everyone for their tremendous support.”

In an accompanying video, De La Hoya appeared to struggle to breathe, as he said the virus “really kicked my ass.”

“I mean what are the chances of me getting COVID. I’ve been taking care of myself,” he said before exhaling deeply.

De La Hoya was set to fight 44-year-old Belfort at 185 pounds — 40 pounds heavier than he was in his loss to Pacquiao 13 years ago. 

Evander Holyfield, 58, a four-time Heavyweight Champion has been tapped as De La Hoya’s replacement, according to The Los Angeles Times. The move still needs to be approved by the California State Athletic Commission.

De La Hoya officially announced his return to boxing in March, when he signed a multi-fight deal with Triller.

With Post wires