Dana White denies blocking Oscar De La Hoya from Ryan Garcia title defense

Key points

• Dana White stated at the post-fight press conference that he and De La Hoya mutually dislike each other but insisted Zuffa did not block De La Hoya from entering T-Mobile Arena.
• Ryan Garcia defeated Conor Benn via second-round TKO to retain the WBC welterweight title, a victory White praised for its power and decisiveness.
• Garcia expressed surprise at De La Hoya’s absence, noting he had invited the promoter to walk him out and believed a seat had been reserved for him.
• Golden Boy Promotions representative Jane Murcia issued a statement following the event, while Dan Rafael reported that De La Hoya was denied a credential by Zuffa.
• White emphasized that Zuffa is working with various boxing organizations and fighters, including Garcia, despite ongoing tensions with traditional promoters like Golden Boy.

Background

The absence of Oscar De La Hoya from the Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn event in Las Vegas on September 13, 2026, occurred amid a long-standing public feud between De La Hoya and Dana White. Previous coverage highlighted that White had clarified De La Hoya was not banned but simply did not attend, while Golden Boy alleged credential issues. The event also featured Jai Opetaia defending his cruiserweight title and Don King announcing that Mikaelian’s WBC title would not be contested, reflecting evolving promotional dynamics in boxing.

How outlets are covering it

MMA Junkie and MMA Fighting reported White’s direct denial that Zuffa blocked De La Hoya, quoting his statement that he would have called De La Hoya to warn him rather than disrespecting him at the venue. BoxingScene emphasized the pre-fight speculation and the 'Where’s Oscar?' narrative, noting De La Hoya’s absence from media days and the potential for verbal conflict. Boxing News 24 highlighted the mystery of De La Hoya’s absence despite his Las Vegas residence and Friday video promise, questioning Golden Boy’s future with Garcia. All sources agreed on White’s denial but differed on the emphasis: some focused on the credential dispute, while others highlighted the contractual and promotional implications for Garcia.

Why it matters

The incident underscores the ongoing power struggle between Zuffa Boxing and traditional promoters like Golden Boy, potentially affecting fighter contracts and event access. Garcia’s victory and White’s praise signal Zuffa’s growing influence in boxing, while De La Hoya’s absence may indicate a shift in promotional control or a deeper rift that could impact future events and fighter representation.

What to watch

Golden Boy Promotions may respond further to the credential allegations, while Zuffa Boxing could pursue Garcia and other fighters like David Benavidez as their contract with Golden Boy ends. The outcome of the De La Hoya-Zuffa dispute may influence future co-promotions and fighter access policies in boxing.