The fight between Garcia (25-2, 20 KOs) and Benn (25-1, 14 KOs) has been rumored for weeks, with Las Vegas repeatedly mentioned as the likely destination. However, Golden Boy attorney Ricardo P. Cestero reportedly said in the letter that the promotional company did not approve the fight or participate in negotiations related to the event.
“Golden Boy has not approved or agreed to the terms of such a fight, nor has it been involved in the negotiations of such a fight,” Cestero wrote in the letter reviewed by BoxingScene.
The letter further claims that Garcia remains contractually obligated to carry his matches through Golden Boy’s broadcast partner, DAZN, rather than Paramount+.
Golden Boy’s position is significant given De La Hoya’s public comments just a day earlier, when he indicated he was willing to work with White despite their long-running feud.
“As much as I hate it, let’s go. Why not? Because the fighters want this fight. Ryan wants it,” De La Hoya said. “You have to work with the promoters to make these fights happen.”
“If that’s what Ryan wants, that’s what he’s going to get. It’s a matter of details, a matter where all parties are happy.”
The development represents the latest controversy surrounding Zuffa Boxing’s expansion into the sport. Earlier this week, Boxxer promoter Ben Shalom accused the company of trying to lure fighters away from existing deals, describing the alleged actions as “outrageous”.
Garcia captured the WBC welterweight title in February with a unanimous decision win over Mario Barrios, earning his third shot at a world championship. Benn, meanwhile, continued to push for a high-profile showdown against the American star after defeating Regis Prograis earlier this year.
The proposed fight now appears to depend less on the fighters’ willingness and more on the ability of the various promotional and broadcasting interests involved to reach common ground behind the scenes.
