Golden Boy Challenges Ryan Garcia-Conor Benn Fight With Cease-And-Desist Letter

Oscar De La Hoya says Golden Boy supports the fight but claims it was excluded from negotiations involving Zuffa Boxing

Plans for Ryan Garcia to face Conor Benn on September 12 have hit a major obstacle after Golden Boy Promotions sent a cease-and-desist letter to Zuffa Boxing and TKO Group. The promotional company claims it was excluded from negotiations and argues that its contractual rights to Garcia’s fights must be respected before any deal can proceed.

Golden Boy alleges that Zuffa has been working directly with Ryan to arrange a September 12 showdown with Benn without the promotional company’s approval. In the letter, Golden Boy contends that the contemplated bout would conflict with both its promotional rights and Garcia’s requirement to have his fights broadcast on DAZN.

The dispute involves Garcia’s existing promotional arrangement with Golden Boy. The letter reportedly states that Ryan’s company, King Ryan Enterprises, cannot enter into agreements for professional bouts without Golden Boy’s consent, while also maintaining that Ryan’s fights must air on DAZN.

Oscar De La Hoya insisted that Golden Boy has no issue with the matchup itself, provided the proper parties are involved in the negotiations.

“I’ve said time and time again that I’m willing to work with anyone, including Dana White and Zuffa Boxing, to make the biggest fights possible,” De La Hoya said in a statement provided to ESPN. “My track record speaks for itself. If Ryan wants to fight Conor Benn, then as his promoter, I’ll do everything I can to help make that fight happen.

“But the reality is that Golden Boy holds co-promotional rights to Ryan’s bouts, and to this point, we have not been included in any discussions regarding this event. Our contractual rights must be respected, just as DAZN’s investment in Ryan’s career must be recognized and protected.

“There’s no reason this fight can’t happen, but it has to be done the right way, with all the necessary parties at the table.”

Ryan stated during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon that he would face Benn on September 12 in Las Vegas. Dana White had also teased major announcements linked to Zuffa Boxing’s launch into the sport.

However, ESPN reported that no contracts had been signed at the time of Ryan’s television appearance and that negotiations had not advanced to the stage many fans had assumed.

The proposed fight remains one of the highest-profile crossover attractions available to both men. Conor has been linked with several major names since his two-fight rivalry with Chris Eubank Jr., while Ryan’s return to action has been closely followed after reclaiming world-level status at welterweight.

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