Las Vegas, NV – In a dramatic turn of events following Ryan Garcia’s electrifying second-round knockout of Conor Benn on Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena, UFC President Dana White has vehemently denied allegations that he prevented boxing luminary Oscar De La Hoya from attending the highly anticipated bout. The denial, however, has only amplified the lingering questions surrounding the Golden Boy Promotions founder’s conspicuous absence from an event he heavily promoted, a situation amplified by reports from sportsamo.com.
De La Hoya, who typically orchestrates a prominent presence at his promoted fighters’ major events, had been notably elusive throughout fight week. This lack of visibility intensified when, just 24 hours prior to the main event, he posted a cryptic video message to fans, promising, "See you tomorrow, and boy, do I have a surprise for you." The surprise, it seems, was his own non-appearance as Garcia delivered a performance that solidified his status as a rising star in the lightweight division.
During his post-fight press conference, White, known for his blunt and often contentious interactions with the boxing world, addressed the topic of De La Hoya’s absence directly. While acknowledging the well-documented animosity between himself and the former boxing champion, White maintained that Zuffa Boxing, the parent company of the UFC, had no hand in barring De La Hoya from the arena.
"I do not like De La Hoya, and De La Hoya does not like me," White stated unequivocally. "I would never disrespect him and say, ‘Oh, he shows up here, and we treat him like [expletive].’ I would call him on the phone and say, ‘Hey, don’t [expletive] show up to this event because we’re not going to treat you well.’ That was not the case. Why he didn’t show up, I don’t know."
This declaration from White thrusts the focus squarely back onto De La Hoya, leaving him with the unenviable task of explaining his disappearance. The circumstances are particularly peculiar given that De La Hoya resides in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, had publicly committed to attending, and was the promoter of the fighter who just secured arguably the most significant victory of his career. Garcia’s stunning performance, marked by a devastating left hook that ended the fight swiftly, was witnessed by a sold-out crowd, yet the architect of his promotional career was conspicuously absent from the celebration.
The timing of De La Hoya’s vanishing act is also significant, as reports suggest Ryan Garcia has only one fight remaining on his current contract with Golden Boy Promotions. White, meanwhile, was effusive in his praise for Garcia following the fight. He lauded the young fighter as "one of the world’s best" and highlighted his exceptional punching power, charismatic personality, and eagerness to engage in high-profile matchups. These comments, while not an explicit declaration of a contractual agreement between Zuffa Boxing and Garcia, certainly paint a picture of White viewing Garcia as a potential cornerstone for future boxing ventures under his promotional umbrella.
The optics for Golden Boy Promotions are, at best, problematic. If White is indeed telling the truth and Zuffa Boxing did not actively prevent De La Hoya from attending, then the Golden Boy founder faces a significant public relations challenge. His unexplained absence during such a pivotal moment for his star fighter raises serious questions about his leadership and the stability of his promotional company.
Ryan Garcia, at 28 years old, has emerged as one of boxing’s most captivating figures. His meteoric rise, coupled with his immense popularity on social media, has positioned him as a draw in the sport. His victory over Conor Benn, a highly touted undefeated contender himself, was a masterclass in precision and power. Garcia demonstrated the kind of offensive arsenal that has drawn comparisons to some of the sport’s all-time greats, showcasing a speed and accuracy that overwhelmed Benn from the opening bell. Benn, who had entered the fight with a pristine 21-0 record, was unable to cope with Garcia’s onslaught, signaling a potential shift in the landscape of the super lightweight division.
The narrative surrounding Garcia’s future has been a topic of intense speculation for months. With his contract nearing its end, numerous promoters are undoubtedly circling, eager to secure the services of such a marketable and talented athlete. Dana White’s public admiration for Garcia, combined with his company’s proven track record of promoting blockbuster events, makes him a formidable potential suitor. The contrast between White’s enthusiastic endorsement and De La Hoya’s mysterious absence creates a stark visual of a promoter potentially losing his grip on a generational talent.
Oscar De La Hoya, a six-division world champion and Olympic gold medalist, has enjoyed a successful transition into boxing promotion since his retirement. Golden Boy Promotions has been responsible for guiding the careers of numerous world champions, including Canelo Álvarez, Bernard Hopkins, and, of course, Ryan Garcia. However, recent years have seen its share of internal challenges and high-profile defections, adding to the intrigue surrounding this latest development. The departure of key figures and the perceived inability to retain top talent have led some observers to question the long-term trajectory of the company.
The fight itself was a culmination of significant build-up. Garcia vs. Benn was billed as a clash of undefeated stars, a narrative that often guarantees fireworks. Garcia, known for his dazzling speed and knockout power, was facing Benn, a fighter celebrated for his toughness and resilience. The bout took place in the hallowed halls of the T-Mobile Arena, a venue synonymous with major boxing and combat sports events, further underscoring the magnitude of the occasion.
While White’s denial provides a layer of clarity regarding his involvement, the core mystery remains: why was Oscar De La Hoya not present to witness his fighter’s crowning achievement? The boxer-turned-promoter’s silence on the matter is deafening, especially after his confident pronouncements just a day prior. Whether this absence is a strategic maneuver, a personal issue, or a sign of deeper organizational turmoil within Golden Boy Promotions, it has undoubtedly cast a shadow over what should have been a moment of unadulterated triumph for Ryan Garcia and his team. The boxing world will be watching closely to see how this saga unfolds and what, if any, explanation De La Hoya will eventually provide.
