Ryan Garcia to Defend WBC Title Against Conor Benn in Las Vegas Showdown Golden Boy Promotions' Ryan Garcia will defend his WBC welterweight title against Zuffa Boxing's Conor Benn on September 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, marking the culmination of months of negotiation between the rival promotional entities. The fight, announced by Zuffa Boxing co-founder Turki Alalshikh via social media, will be a Ring Magazine show co-promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Zuffa Boxing. It will stream globally on Paramount+ and exclusively on DAZN in the UK and Ireland. The event coincides with Mexican Independence Day weekend, a date traditionally reserved for Canelo Alvarez’s fights, though his scheduled return against Christian Mbilli in Saudi Arabia has been delayed to October. The announcement ends a prolonged standoff between Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions and Zuffa Boxing, which was co-founded by UFC CEO Dana White. The conflict had escalated after Garcia initially teased the fight during an appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" in May, sparking a cease-and-desist letter from Golden Boy Promotions. DAZN also reportedly issued an order to halt discussions, citing broadcasting rights. Despite these tensions, the two promotions have since reconciled, with Garcia and Benn set to face off in a highly anticipated matchup. The fight has been preceded by a public exchange of barbs between the fighters. Benn, who previously mocked Garcia on social media, claimed, “I’m gonna smash your head in.” Garcia retorted, “You forced yourself in this position… I will show the lesson of rushing into something you just aren’t ready for.” Both fighters had been in Las Vegas for Conor McGregor’s UFC 329 return, where they were seen alongside Zuffa Boxing signee Shakur Stevenson during weigh-ins.#t_mobile_arena #conor_benn #zuffa_boxing #golden_boy_promotions #ryan_garcia
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
