Boxing Bombshell! Golden Boy Unleashes Legal Fury, Alleges Ryan Garcia Interference!

Golden Boy Promotions has issued a cease and desist letter to Zuffa Boxing and TKO Group, alleging interference with its fighter, WBC champion Ryan Garcia. The letter, obtained by ESPN, claims that Zuffa Boxing has been actively collaborating with Garcia to arrange a fight with Conor Benn without the required consent from Golden Boy, which holds Garcia's promotional rights.

According to the letter, there were plans to announce a professional boxing match between Garcia and Benn for September 12, 2026, to be promoted by Zuffa and broadcast on Paramount+. Golden Boy states unequivocally that it has not approved or agreed to the terms of any such bout, deeming it a direct violation of their and DAZN's contractual rights.

Ryan Garcia has publicly championed a fight with Zuffa Boxing's Benn, even announcing it on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" last month, stating the fight was set for September 12 in Las Vegas. Dana White, Zuffa Boxing founder, had also hinted at upcoming major announcements, which appeared to include the Garcia-Benn bout. However, sources informed ESPN that no contract was signed at the time of Garcia's television appearance, and no deal had been discussed with Golden Boy.

Oscar De La Hoya, chairman and CEO of Golden Boy, released a statement to ESPN expressing his willingness to collaborate with anyone, including Dana White and Zuffa Boxing, to facilitate major fights. He emphasized that if Ryan Garcia desires to fight Conor Benn, Golden Boy, as his promoter, would strive to make it happen. Nevertheless, De La Hoya stressed the critical importance of respecting Golden Boy's co-promotional rights and DAZN's significant investment in Garcia's career. He reiterated that while the fight is feasible, it must proceed correctly, involving all necessary parties in the discussions.

The cease and desist letter further clarifies that King Ryan Enterprises, Garcia's promotional company, is not authorized to enter into any agreements without the express consent of Golden Boy Promotions. Moreover, all of Garcia's professional boxing matches are contractually obligated to be broadcast on DAZN. Golden Boy stated it had not only withheld approval but had also not been informed of or involved in the negotiation of any terms for the proposed Garcia-Benn bout, which would directly contravene Garcia's broadcasting obligations. Representatives for Zuffa Boxing did not immediately respond to ESPN's request for comment.