There are no talks yet to take place over a fight between WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia and Britain’s Conor Benn, according to Oscar de la Hoya.
Garcia had said he will face Benn in Las Vegas in September but the American’s promoter De La Hoya, the boss of Golden Boy Promotions, has denied the much-anticipated bout is being discussed.
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Benn switched from Matchroom to Zuffa Boxing, which is backed by UFC chief Dana White and Saudi Arabian capital, in a one-fight deal in February and has since signed a multi-fight deal with them.
“There’s no update,” De La Hoya told Boxing Scene.
“I have been hearing rumblings and rumours. Nobody has talked to me. We obviously have the final say because I am Ryan Garcia’s promoter.
“This is the one thing I can tell you: We work with every promoter, even if it has to be Dana White and Zuffa.
“As much as I hate it, let’s go. Why not? Because the fighters want this fight. Ryan wants it. Let’s make it happen. You have to work with the promoters to make these fights happen.
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“I’m not going to get in the way of it. If that’s what Ryan wants, that’s what he’s going to get. It’s a matter of details, it’s a matter of making sure that all parties are happy.”
De La Hoya has been one of several vocal critics of Zuffa Boxing, even testifying before the US Senate opposing changes to the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act.
The changes are being backed by Zuffa, who want to transform boxing and have their own leagues, but there are fears those efforts will have a major impact to fighter agency, pay and control over their own futures.
Garcia, 27, last fought when he claimed his first major world title with a victory against Mario Barrios by unanimous decision in February, while 29-year-old Benn beat Regis Prograis at a catchweight bout in April.
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“Ultimately, there has to be a conversation, whether they [Zuffa] like it or not,” added De La Hoya.
“We’re going to maybe be on stage together, a few feet away.
“Maybe the news conference will be more exciting than the actual fight because of me and Dana White going at it. Who knows but I’m ready. You know me.”
Meanwhile, both boxers have been exchanging insults on social media.
“I’m whooping Connor (sic) Benn like he stole something – don’t let the headlines fool you,” posted Garcia on X.
In response, Benn accused Garcia of “running his mouth” while he was “grafting”.
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He added: “Stop talking. Sign the contract.”
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