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 the event.
• White claimed that if he intended to exclude De La Hoya, he would have called him to inform him, rather than treating him poorly upon arrival.
• Oscar De La Hoya was absent from the event despite promoting Ryan Garcia, who won by second-round TKO to retain the WBC welterweight title.
• Ryan Garcia expressed confusion about De La Hoya’s absence, noting he had invited him to walk out with him and believed he had a seat.
• Golden Boy Promotions representative Jane Murcia issued a statement regarding the absence, though specific details were not provided in the sources.

Background

The White-De La Hoya rivalry has been ongoing for years, with De La Hoya criticizing White’s role in Saudi Arabia’s boxing expansion and White calling De La Hoya 'weird.' Garcia’s contract with Golden Boy is nearing its end, with one fight reportedly remaining, raising questions about his future with Zuffa Boxing.

How outlets are covering it

Boxing News 24 and MMA Fighting report White’s denial of blocking De La Hoya, while MMA Junkie notes that journalist Dan Rafael reported De La Hoya was denied a credential. BoxingScene highlights the public feud and the missed promotional opportunity, while MMA Fighting emphasizes the co-promotion nature of the event between Zuffa and Golden Boy.

Why it matters

The unresolved question of De La Hoya’s absence raises concerns about the relationship between Zuffa Boxing and Golden Boy Promotions, particularly as Garcia’s contract with Golden Boy nears its end and Zuffa seeks to position him as a future centerpiece.

What to watch

Golden Boy Promotions may need to clarify De La Hoya’s absence, and Zuffa Boxing may pursue Garcia for future events as his Golden Boy contract concludes.