Oscar De La Hoya Accuses Zuffa Boxing of keeping him away from Dana White

On September 12 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV, Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn will headline a co-promoted card between Zuffa Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions, with Garcia’s WBC welterweight world title, which he won earlier this year against Mario Barrios, on the line. Fight fans in the United Kingdom and Ireland will be able to catch the action live on DAZN, while the rest of the world can watch the event on Paramount+. Ahead of this showdown, Golden Boy CEO Oscar De La Hoya spoke to Ariel Helwani about why he wasn’t included in the Garcia-Benn press conference.

Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn: Las Vegas showdown set for September 12

Garcia (25-2, 20 KOs) has often flattered to deceive during his professional career, none more so than when he lost to Rolly Romero. However, he produced a dominating performance against Barrios in his last fight to win the WBC title. Garcia continues to be a character in the sport, but he appears to be in a healthier mental state than previously.

Benn (25-1, 14 KOs) sent shockwaves through the boxing world when he moved to Zuffa Boxing from Matchroom. His win in the Chris Eubank Jr rematch remains his best victory, while last time out, he produced a flat win over Regis Prograis.

Oscar De La Hoya takes aim at Zuffa Boxing

Garcia-Benn had been rumoured for some time before it was announced:

“This is such a great fight,” said promoter Dana White in the press release. “Conor Benn has won 26 of his 27 professional fights [sic] and is coming off a big win in the U.K. earlier this year. Ryan Garcia is one of the biggest stars in boxing and a world champion. These guys are in their prime, and it’s a fight they’ve both wanted for a long time. They’ll come face-to-face for the first time today before stepping into the ring on September 12 during Mexican Independence Day weekend at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The energy in that place will be incredible.”

Appearing on the Ariel Helwani Show, De La Hoya addressed not being included in the recent press conference for Garcia vs Benn.

“How f***ing petty are these guys, not to include me and make sure I’m not on stage? Are they afraid that I’m gonna sock Dana in the nose?

“Of course, I’m gonna be there. Of course, I’m gonna be promoting it. Everybody knows Ryan Garcia is my fighter.

“I really do believe they are trying to keep me away from Dana because they know what’s gonna happen,” said De La Hoya.

Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn

Featured Image Credit:

Golden Boy / Cris Esqueda