Eddie Hearn claimed that Zuffa Boxing received a cease and desist letter from DAZN days before Golden Boy Promotions publicly moved to protect its contractual rights involving Ryan Garcia.
Garcia has been heavily linked with a proposed showdown against Conor Benn in recent weeks, with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing reportedly exploring the possibility of taking on the fight. However, Golden Boy recently issued a cease-and-desist letter insisting that Garcia remain under contract with the company and that any negotiations involving the former interim lightweight champion must include his promoter.
Hearn maintained that Golden Boy’s legal action was not the first warning Zuffa had received.
“Not only yesterday did they receive a cease and desist from Golden Boy. About three or four days ago they received a cease and desist from DAZN saying, ‘Excuse me, you have to understand Ryan Garcia is exclusive to DAZN,'” Hearn said on Chris Mannix’s channel. “Therefore, if you want to acquire his services, you should not only have a conversation with Oscar De La Hoya. Damn right, as his actual promoter, but also with the broadcaster who has that exclusivity.”
“If it’s not resolved, there will be no Ryan Garcia-Conor Benn fight, and DAZN kind of holds the keys to that. Dana hates that because Dana shouldn’t just have a conversation with DAZN. They should have a conversation with Oscar De La Hoya.”
The Matchroom chairman argued that boxing’s fragmented landscape is significantly different from the centralized model long used by the UFC.
“They think they can just walk in. Right now it’s a very interesting situation because if it’s not resolved, there will be no Ryan Garcia-Conor Benn fight.”
Ryan remains under promotional ties with Golden Boy, while Benn has emerged as one of the fighters most linked to Zuffa Boxing’s growing ambitions in the sport. Although discussions surrounding the fight have intensified, no official announcement has been made regarding a date or location.
If Hearn’s account is accurate, Zuffa Boxing may have to navigate negotiations involving both Golden Boy and DAZN before a Garcia-Benn showdown can become a reality.
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Last updated on 2026/06/12 at 11:34
