Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn Fight in Doubt After Zuffa Boxing Legal Dispute

A highly anticipated boxing matchup between Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn has encountered a significant obstacle before an official announcement could take place. The proposed September 12 showdown in Las Vegas has become the center of a growing dispute involving promoters, broadcasters, and Dana White’s newly launched Zuffa Boxing venture.

Last month, Ryan Garcia revealed plans to face Conor Benn in Las Vegas on September 12. The fight was expected to be formally announced during the UFC White House event on Sunday. However, the situation quickly became complicated after concerns emerged regarding Garcia’s contractual obligations.

According to a report from Boxing Scene, Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions issued a cease-and-desist letter to Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, TKO Group Holdings, Paramount, and Saudi Arabia’s Sela. The notice alleges improper interference involving WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia.

Instagram | @_www.fight.tv | Broadcaster and promoter disputes are blocking the official announcement of Garcia vs. Benn.

The central issue concerns Golden Boy’s claim that it was excluded from discussions of the proposed bout. The promotion also argues that Garcia remains contractually tied to DAZN rather than to Paramount, the platform associated with the planned event.

What the Legal Notice Says

The letter, written by Golden Boy Promotions attorney Ricardo P. Cestero, makes the company’s position clear.

“Golden Boy has not approved of or agreed to the terms of any such [Benn] bout, nor has Golden Boy been involved in the negotiations of any such bout,” the letter states.

It continues with a direct demand:

“Accordingly, Golden Boy hereby demands that you immediately cease from any negotiations or discussions …”

These claims place the future of Garcia vs. Benn in doubt unless all parties can reach an agreement.

Instagram | @homeoffight | Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing faces growing legal challenges as lawsuits and promotional disputes create uncertainty around its plans.

Despite years of public tension between Oscar De La Hoya and Dana White, cooperation has not been ruled out. Speaking on Tuesday, De La Hoya acknowledged hearing speculation surrounding the fight.

“I’m hearing rumblings and rumors. Nobody’s talked to me. We obviously have the final say because I am Ryan Garcia’s promoter,” De La Hoya said.

He also suggested that collaboration remains possible, adding, “This is the one thing I can tell you: We work with every promoter, even if it has to be Dana White and Zuffa.”

More Legal Issues for Zuffa Boxing

The Garcia-Benn situation is not the only legal matter involving Zuffa Boxing. Less than a week earlier, another dispute emerged. A lawsuit accused the promotion of unlawfully poaching two boxing prospects from the United Kingdom.

Dana White previously brushed aside criticism from established boxing promoters. Recent developments, however, suggest that Zuffa Boxing may continue to face legal challenges as it expands its presence in professional boxing.

Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn remain linked to one of the most anticipated fights on the boxing calendar. Yet Golden Boy Promotions’ legal action has placed the event in question. Contract obligations, broadcast rights, and ongoing disputes now stand at the center of the discussion.

The coming weeks will likely determine whether the fight moves forward or faces a longer delay.