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Ronda Rousey and her coach Edmond Tarverdyan. AP/Press Association Images
Help Me Ronda

Oscar De La Hoya says he's spoken to Ronda Rousey about a move to boxing

“Whenever she’s ready to step into the ring as a boxer… Golden Boy Promotions will be right there with her.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA claims that he’s been talking to Ronda Rousey about a potential professional boxing debut for the UFC women’s bantamweight champion.

Rousey is the most dominant fighter in mixed martial arts, having put together an unblemished 12-0 record since making her MMA debut in 2011.

Earlier this week it was revealed that the 28-year-old superstar is to become the first MMA athlete to grace the cover of boxing magazine ‘The Ring’.

When asked about that development by FightHub, De La Hoya — a former world champion boxer who now runs Golden Boy Promotions — said: “I think it’s wonderful. I think she deserves it and obviously it opens doors for the women in boxing.

“We’ve created so much attention with it worldwide, which has given Ring magazine attention that it’s never ever had in the history of its existence. So now, what do we do with it? How do we capitalise after having her on the cover?

“I have some really big ideas for women’s boxing. I’ve promised the women boxers that Golden Boy is going to get involved with women’s boxing. We have something brewing and this is obviously the beginning. Like I said, it’s created a big buzz within the boxing industry, so mission accomplished.”

As for a possible move from MMA to boxing for Rousey, De La Hoya said: “We’ve discussed it and whenever she’s ready to step into the ring as a fighter, as a boxer, then obviously Golden Boy Promotions will be right there with her.”

Having won a bronze medal in judo at the 2008 Olympics, Rousey is renowned for her grappling more than her striking. However, the latter aspect of the Californian’s game has gradually improved, as evidenced by her KO win over Bethe Correia in August.

Rousey’s stand-up ability could face its biggest challenge yet when she faces former world champion boxer Holly Holm at UFC 193 in Melbourne on 15 November.

“She [Rousey] is tough. She’s really good,” De La Hoya continued. “Speed, power and instinct, which is very important. She dares to be great. That’s the difference with a lot of fighters. She takes the risks and that’s what I love about her.”

De La Hoya added: “She has obviously proven herself in MMA. She’s great on the mat and on the floor. I know she can fight standing up, I’ve seen her. I see those instincts that she has. It’s just a matter of having that first fight and proving it. That’s all.”

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