Oscar De La Hoya Questions Ryan Garcia Joining Dana White After Current Contract Ends
Oscar De La Hoya recently shared his thoughts on the ongoing dispute between promoters Eddie Hearn and Dana White. Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, De La Hoya declared himself firmly on Team Eddie, praising Hearn's approach in their public feud.
"I am Team Eddie right now, because he’s cooking Dana," De La Hoya said, describing the exchanges as some of the most entertaining boxing has seen.
With the December 11 fight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua stirring debate about White’s role, De La Hoya expressed his anticipation to challenge White and Zuffa Boxing soon, hinting at a major response but for now enjoying Hearn’s antics.
"It is the funniest thing I’ve ever seen. These guys just don’t stop. You know Eddie, Eddie’s just funny. He’s harmless. That’s why Eddie and I get along so well now," De La Hoya remarked.
De La Hoya Criticizes Dana White’s Approach to Boxing
Contrasting his praise for Hearn, De La Hoya was blunt in his disapproval of White’s handling of the sport through Zuffa Boxing.
"If I was a teacher, they’d be getting an F," he said regarding Zuffa Boxing’s performance this year.
He accused White’s operation of merely renting fighters without investing in building champions or fostering personal relationships with athletes. De La Hoya emphasized boxing requires emotional involvement and long-term commitment to fighters, which he believes White lacks.
"Dana doesn’t know s*** about fighters. He doesn’t want to get to know them. It’s all about numbers for him," De La Hoya said. "Boxing is more personal. You have to know the fighters, care about their lives, and make sure they’re treated right."
De La Hoya referenced Zuffa's decision to release former WBC light heavyweight champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk by email as an example of poor treatment.
Conflict Surrounding Ryan Garcia and Golden Boy Promotions
The tension deepened when De La Hoya revealed that he was excluded from the promotion and fight night of the Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn event, co-promoted by Zuffa Boxing and Golden Boy.
"I didn’t have my ringside tickets," De La Hoya said. "They gave me tickets, but not where I was contractually obligated to sit down."
Despite the absence, Garcia performed impressively with a knockout victory, though De La Hoya was clearly unhappy about being sidelined.
"The fact that they kept me out of it — oooh," he expressed.
De La Hoya plans to address his exclusion on his social media series Clap-Back Thursday, but he insisted Dana White was not behind the move, citing ongoing legal matters.
"Dana has no say whatsoever. He doesn’t have any pull here," De La Hoya explained. "I have clap-back for a reason, and once my muzzle is off, I can’t wait."
Although Garcia was disappointed De La Hoya wasn't present at his fight, they have since spoken and remain on good terms.
Ryan Garcia’s Future: Staying With Golden Boy or Not?
Garcia has one fight left under contract with Golden Boy Promotions, though sources indicate an additional bout remains with DAZN. De La Hoya helped build Garcia into a major star and hopes to continue working together, but Garcia has hinted he won’t re-sign.
De La Hoya doubts Garcia will join White’s Zuffa Boxing after his current deal ends.
"I don’t think he’ll go with Zuffa. I don’t think that’s a good fit for him," De La Hoya stated.
He is set to meet with Garcia soon to discuss upcoming fights and already has clear targets in mind.
"The guy I wanted from the start is Devin Haney. Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez are the biggest fights out there for Ryan," De La Hoya revealed.
De La Hoya praised Garcia’s competitive nature and desire to face top opponents.
"What I love about Ryan is that he wants to fight the very best and prove he’s the best. A Teofimo or Devin Haney fight is perfect for him."
While De La Hoya knows who should face Garcia next, the question remains whether he will continue to promote him beyond the current contract.
- Event: Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn
- Date: September 2026
- Promoters: Zuffa Boxing (Dana White), Golden Boy Promotions (Oscar De La Hoya)
- Outcome: Garcia won by knockout
- Controversy: De La Hoya excluded from promotion and seating despite contractual rights
- Upcoming Fight Date: December 11, 2026
- Main Event: Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua
- Involved Parties: UFC CEO Dana White, Promoter Eddie Hearn
