Promotional Dispute
Dana White Denies Blocking Oscar De La Hoya From Attending Fight
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Key Points
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De La Hoya had posted a video from Las Vegas the day before the fight promising fans that he had “a surprise” planned, making his eventual absence more conspicuous.
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The event was co-promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Zuffa Boxing in partnership with The Ring, adding another promotional entity to the event’s organizational structure.
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Garcia reportedly had one fight remaining on his Golden Boy contract, while White repeatedly praised him as one of the world’s best fighters and highlighted his punching power, personality and willingness to accept major bouts.
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Garcia characterized the dispute as something he wanted to avoid, saying, “I have no bad feelings toward Oscar, and I don’t really know what’s been going on. I just stay out of it and focus on the fight.”
5
Garcia’s victory was described as his first defense of the WBC welterweight title, and the statement win prompted concern across the 147-pound division.
Oscar De La Hoya was mysteriously absent from the Ryan Garcia-Conor Benn fight on Saturday night, despite his Golden Boy Promotions co-promoting the Las Vegas event. Dana White denied blocking De La Hoya's entry, saying he would have warned him directly if attendance was unwanted.
Garcia defeated Benn by second-round stoppage to retain his WBC welterweight title, but the real drama surrounded why De La Hoya—whose fighter is contractually bound to Golden Boy—stayed away. De La Hoya had posted a video from Las Vegas the day before, teasing fans about a "surprise" at the fight.
De La Hoya's Mysterious No-Show Sparks Feud Speculation
Reports claimed De La Hoya was denied a credential and barred from entering the arena. Dana White flatly denied this, stating: "I would have directly warned Oscar if I didn't want him there." White acknowledged their longstanding feud but said he had no idea why De La Hoya stayed home.
Garcia expected De La Hoya to attend and had even invited him to walk to the ring. But Garcia later played down the conflict, saying, "I have no bad feelings toward Oscar. I just stay out of it and focus on the fight."
Golden Boy and Zuffa Team Up to Co-Promote
The event was jointly promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, Zuffa Boxing, and The Ring magazine. The partnership added complexity to the night, with De La Hoya's company co-promoting an event run by his rival Dana White.
Garcia, whose contract with Golden Boy reportedly has one fight left, was the star attraction. White repeatedly praised Garcia as one of the world's best welterweights, highlighting his knockout power and willingness to fight anyone.
Garcia's Title Defense Raises Contract Exit Questions
Garcia's dominant win sparked concern across the 147-pound division and intensified speculation about his future with Golden Boy. With one fight left on his contract, Garcia could become a free agent soon—potentially opening the door for a move to Zuffa Boxing.
The dispute between De La Hoya and White overshadowed what should have been a victory lap for Garcia. His WBC welterweight title defense proved he belongs among the elite, but the promotional chaos suggests his time at Golden Boy may be ending.
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