Golden Boy Promotions Alleges Interference in Ryan Garcia's Fight Plans Golden Boy Promotions has issued a cease and desist letter to Zuffa Boxing and TKO Group, accusing them of interfering with its fighter, WBC champion Ryan Garcia. The letter, obtained by ESPN, claims Zuffa Boxing has been collaborating with Garcia to arrange a fight against Conor Benn without Golden Boy’s consent. The proposed bout, scheduled for September 12, 2026, is alleged to be promoted by Zuffa and broadcast on Paramount+, which Golden Boy and DAZN claim violates their contractual rights. The letter asserts that Golden Boy has not approved or agreed to the terms of the fight and has not been involved in any negotiations. It emphasizes that Garcia’s promotional company, King Ryan Enterprises, cannot finalize agreements without Golden Boy’s consent. Additionally, all of Garcia’s professional boxing matches must be broadcast on DAZN, per the terms of his contract. The letter states that the proposed fight would directly breach Garcia’s obligations to DAZN and Golden Boy’s co-promotional rights. Garcia has been actively seeking a matchup with Benn, a fighter under Zuffa Boxing. During an appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," Garcia announced the fight would take place in Las Vegas on September 12. Dana White, founder of Zuffa Boxing, had previously hinted at major announcements, suggesting the Garcia-Benn fight might be among them. However, sources told ESPN that no formal contract was signed at the time of the Fallon appearance, and discussions about the fight had not yet occurred. Golden Boy chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya reiterated the company’s stance in a statement to ESPN.#conor_benn #zuffa_boxing #golden_boy_promotions #tko_group #ryan_garcia
British Boxing's Shift Away From Tyson Fury and Conor Benn Tyson Fury’s return to the ring after a 476-day absence marks a significant moment in British boxing, yet the public’s response to his comeback appears to be lukewarm. The 37-year-old heavyweight, known for his dramatic career twists, faces Arslanbek Makhmudov in a Netflix-backed event at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The fight, part of a broader spectacle funded by Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh, is expected to draw global attention, but ticket sales and resale prices suggest a disconnect between the hype and fan enthusiasm. Fury’s journey to this point has been marked by a pattern of retirements and comebacks. After consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk, he announced his fifth retirement before resurfacing earlier this year. His return to the ring is his first since December 2022, and the event’s financial backing underscores the high stakes for his career. However, the lack of sold-out tickets and the drop in resale prices to as low as £6 signal a waning public interest. This shift raises questions about the sustainability of Fury’s legacy and the broader appeal of British boxing. Conor Benn, another prominent figure in the sport, has also faced scrutiny. The 29-year-old, who previously struggled to rebuild his reputation after two failed drug tests in 2022, has chosen a controversial path by aligning with Zuffa, the parent company of the UFC. This move, reportedly worth $15 million for a one-fight deal against Regis Prograis, has drawn criticism from within the boxing community. Benn’s defection from Matchroom Boxing, a long-standing promoter, has left fans questioning his commitment to the sport’s traditional structures.#tyson_fury #tottenham_hotspur_stadium #arslanbek_makhmudov #conor_benn #turki_alalshikh
