TMZSports.com
Boxer Albert Ochoa will be channeling his inner Michael Jackson when he steps into the ring this weekend … ’cause he just copped some insane custom “Thriller” shoes to pay homage to the King of Pop!!
Ochoa — who famously took Kylie Jenner to prom — is set to fight TikTok star Xavier Long at Academy LA in Hollywood on Saturday … and TMZ Sports has learned he plans to show out with his moves AND his shoes.
We’re told the 23-year-old wanted personalized gear for the fifth fight of his career … so he reached out to his close friend, artist Aztek Kustoms, with the idea of making kicks similar to the loafers on Jackson’s feet in the iconic “Thriller” music video.
Aztek Kustoms — who also made Rolly Romero‘s Frank Ocean boxing shoes — says the kicks feature over 4,000 pearl-white rhinestones and black glitter paint … and Ochoa is thrilled with the finished product.
Ochoa tells us “Thriller,” which is his all-time favorite song, will be playing for his walkout to the ring.
“He’s an icon, he’s a legend,” Ochoa told us. “For me to wear these shoes and to come out with that outfit and his music … it’s dope.”
Instagram / @albertochoa05
Boxing is something Ochoa is taking very seriously … in fact, he says he’s training with former boxing champ Joel Casamayor and former Olympian boxer Vicente Escobedo.
“It’s a great team — having a world champion and an Olympian and two people that were successful in their sport at the start of my career is a blessing,” Ochoa said. “It’s a dream come true.”
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Of course, many still doubt the reality star, like they did YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, but the 3-1 super welterweight tells us he’s the real deal.
“I’m a real fighter,” Ochoa said. “I put in the work and I’ve improved so much in this camp. I’m on my way to becoming a great star in this sport.”
Ochoa steps in the ring on FITE TV on Saturday … and he’s promising a good time.