Ryan Garcia’s Return Suffers A Setback

WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia confirmed that his next title defense is moving to the late-summer, as a fight with Conor Benn remains unlikely. 

The hurdle is due to the stand-off between the two promotions that would be involved. Benn recently finalized a massive five-fight deal with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing. Garcia remains with Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions. Oscar and Dana are not on the best terms. 

Currently, Benn remains the WBC #1 mandatory following his unanimous decision win over Regis Prograis on April 11. While the Benn fight is the one to make, Ryan may be forced to look elsewhere. If the Zuffa/Golden Boy standoff proves insurmountable, Garcia’s team has reportedly explored a “cross-promotional” rematch with Devin Haney or a defense against the winner of the upcoming Boots Ennis vs. Xander Zayas unified blockbuster on June 27.

“They didn’t want it to happen. Like De La Hoya said, Conor Benn probably wasn’t going to work because he signed with Zuffa. We have to see, man. August. August. It’s going to be August, guys,” Garcia said

Will It Happen?

Meanwhile, De La Hoya also cast doubt over making the fight. He questioned why Benn would sign with Zuffa if he was interested in making the fight.

“Conor Benn you went on a press tour saying you want to fight Ryan Garcia and every other champion. How the F do you plan to do that when you’re signed to Zuffa, who only let you fight for their unicorn POS belt?,” De La Hoya stated

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