De La Hoya Blasts White, Doubts Garcia’s Zuffa Move Amid Promoter Feud

Key points

• De La Hoya stated he avoided the Garcia-Benn event to prevent public embarrassment, claiming Zuffa Boxing was set up to humiliate him and his staff.
• The Golden Boy CEO criticized Dana White’s boxing operations, calling him 'Uncle Fester' and arguing that White lacks the authority and professionalism required for the sport.
• De La Hoya expressed skepticism that Ryan Garcia will sign with Zuffa Boxing, despite Garcia’s positive comments about the event, citing White’s poor handling of press conferences and fighter treatment.
• The promoter defended his decision to keep Garcia at Golden Boy, noting that the next fight against Devin Haney or Teofimo Lopez will determine the fighter’s future, not White’s criticism.

Background

This dispute follows the September 2026 Garcia-Benn bout, where De La Hoya’s absence sparked controversy. Dana White previously denied blocking De La Hoya from the event, while Garcia publicly criticized his promoter for not attending. The current tension escalates a long-standing rivalry between Golden Boy and Zuffa Boxing, which has intensified since White entered the boxing industry.

How outlets are covering it

MMA Fighting highlights De La Hoya’s claim that he was denied ringside credentials and that Zuffa deliberately marginalized his fighters, such as scheduling Alexis Rocha and Jose Ramirez early in the card. Sports Illustrated and MMA Sucka emphasize De La Hoya’s public support for Eddie Hearn, with De La Hoya calling White a 'third or fourth guy' who is being 'cooked' by Hearn. Boxing News 24 offers a more neutral view, noting that while De La Hoya doubts a Zuffa move, Garcia’s positive experience at the event gives Zuffa leverage, and the outcome depends on Golden Boy securing a high-profile next fight.

Why it matters

The conflict signals a deepening fracture in boxing’s promotional landscape, with Golden Boy and Zuffa Boxing competing for top talent like Ryan Garcia. De La Hoya’s public criticism of White’s professionalism could influence how other fighters and promoters view Zuffa’s expansion into boxing, potentially affecting future contract negotiations and event co-promotions.

What to watch

Golden Boy must secure a major fight for Ryan Garcia, likely against Devin Haney or Teofimo Lopez, to retain his services. The outcome of this bout and the terms of any extension will determine whether Garcia stays with Golden Boy or moves to Zuffa Boxing, while the White-Hearn feud continues to dominate boxing discourse.