Don’t be afraid’: Oscar De La Hoya says Zuffa can’t freeze him out of Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn promotion

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 30: Oscar de la Hoya looks on during a press conference at T-Mobile Arena on April 30, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Golden Boy promoter Oscar De La Hoya joined Ariel Helwani’s show to largely discuss what’s going on with the Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn fight, what role he’ll play in that event, and a whole lot more. Check out some excerpts of what he had to say with the full video in the link above.

De La Hoya on his involvement in the Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn fight

“I mean, how f-ckin’ petty are these guys not to include me and to make sure I’m not on stage. What, are they afraid I’m going to sock Dana [White] in the nose? I mean, of course I’m going to be there, of course I’m going to be promoting it. Ryan Garcia, everybody knows, he’s my fighter. So, he’s under Golden Boy so we’re looking forward to a big, massive event. I believe the other day Turki said that $6M+ have already been sold so, yeah, it’s going to be a big event. So, I’m really looking forward to being apart of his.”

On not being at the opening press conference

“I wasn’t even aware of it. And that’s what these people do, they try to slip by one under me. I really do think they are trying to keep me away from Dana because they know what’s going to happen…Obviously, I’m not going to punch anybody but they’re trying to keep everything from me and we all know Ryan Garcia is a Golden Boy fighter and this is a Golden Boy event, and this is a Zuffa event because Turki bought the event and he included Zuffa because obviously Conor is a Zuffa fighter now. And so, yeah, let’s all work together and everything will be fine. Don’t be afraid.”

On his intention to take an active part in the promotion

“Front and center, I will be there. I cannot wait…I’ll be flying in and spending the whole two weeks promoting the hell out of it, making sure that it’s a big event, making sure Ryan gets what he wants, what he deserves, and we’ll take it from there.”

On where his relationship with Ryan currently stands

“We had a talk the other day and it’s great. It’s good…I know he said a couple things on your show and this and that, but we talked to each other, everything’s great. We’re going to make sure this event is big, we’re going to make sure Ryan gets what he deserves, that he’s treated the way he deserves, and make sure he’s ready and prepared to go up and take the throne from Conor Benn. I mean, he has no throne but I’m saying make sure that he goes out there 100% and beats Conor Benn.”

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: Yahoo Sports. Open at source →