Oscar De La Hoya Blasts Zuffa: ‘All They Do Is Get In The Way’ Of Garcia-Benn Fight

Oscar De La Hoya criticized Zuffa Boxing on Saturday while discussing a potential September 12 fight between Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn.

“The problem that I have with Zuffa is everything they touch, whenever they get involved, it’s a big f***in’ problem all the time,” De La Hoya said during Golden Boy’s DAZN broadcast on Saturday night.

“Ryan Garcia has a promotional contract with Golden Boy, and Ryan is fighting on DAZN. Zuffa Boxing, all they do is get in the way and make things difficult. The bottom line is, yes, Ryan Garcia wants to fight on September 12th, but he’s gonna fight on DAZN.”

Garcia and Benn have been linked to a September 12 fight. Earlier reports indicated the event could be promoted by Zuffa Boxing and distributed on Paramount+.

“If the opponent is gonna be Conor Benn, then so be it, but we all have to work together to make the fight happen,” De La Hoya said. “There’s promoters for a reason, there’s contracts for a reason, but again, when Zuffa gets involved, there’s always a big problem.”

Golden Boy recently issued a cease-and-desist letter to Zuffa Boxing regarding Garcia’s promotional status.

Ryan won the WBC welterweight title with a victory over Mario Barrios on February 21. Benn last fought on April 11, defeating Regis Prograis in London.

Garcia remains under contract with Golden Boy. De La Hoya reiterated Saturday that any future fight involving Garcia must be coordinated through the company and broadcast on DAZN.

 

Dan Ambrose is a boxing journalist at Boxing News 24, recognized for his direct analysis and extensive coverage of the global fight landscape. His reporting focuses on major bouts, divisional developments, and the sport’s most discussed storylines.

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Last Updated on 2026/06/21 at 2:00 AM