Cease and Desist Letter from Golden Boy Promotions
Golden Boy Promotions has officially lodged a cease and desist letter against Zuffa Boxing and the TKO Group, accusing them of attempting to infringe on the promotional rights of one of its fighters, Ryan Garcia—who holds the WBC championship title. A document secured by ESPN outlines Golden Boy’s assertion that Zuffa Boxing is making moves to arrange a bout between Garcia and Conor Benn without obtaining proper approval from Golden Boy, which is responsible for promoting Garcia.
Details of the Allegations
The cease and desist letter explicitly mentions the supposed plans to announce a professional match featuring Garcia and Benn scheduled for September 12, 2026, with Zuffa expected to handle the promotion and Paramount+ set to broadcast the event.
This action contradicts the rights held by Golden Boy and its partner, DAZN.
The document indicates,
Golden Boy has neither sanctioned nor agreed to any terms concerning this match.
Ryan Garcia’s Interest in the Fight
Ryan Garcia has shown a strong interest in fighting Conor Benn, famously discussing such a matchup during a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where he indicated that arrangements were being made. Zuffa’s founder, Dana White, had also hinted that significant announcements were on the horizon, suggesting the potential Garcia-Benn fight could be among them.
Golden Boy’s Position
However, sources informed ESPN that there was no signed contract when Garcia made the Fallon appearance, and discussions around the deal had yet to take place. Oscar De La Hoya, the chairman and CEO of Golden Boy, articulated his openness to collaboration, stating,
I am willing to work with anyone, including Dana White and Zuffa Boxing, to create the most exciting fights possible. My history in boxing showcases my commitment. If Ryan desires to face Conor Benn, I will do everything to facilitate that.
Yet, it is essential to highlight that Golden Boy possesses co-promotional rights over Ryan’s matches, and we have not been involved in any dialogues for this event.
It’s crucial that our contractual rights are upheld along with DAZN’s investment in Ryan’s career.
Contractual Obligations
De La Hoya further maintained that, while the fight could indeed materialize, it must involve all relevant stakeholders working collaboratively. According to the letter, any agreements made by Garcia’s promotional outfit, King Ryan Enterprises, are subject to Golden Boy’s approval, with stipulations that dictate all of Garcia’s fights must be shown on DAZN. The letter reiterated that Golden Boy has not authorized or been informed about the terms of any such event, stressing that the proposed match would breach Garcia’s obligation to have his bouts broadcast exclusively on DAZN.
Response from Zuffa Boxing
So far, Zuffa Boxing has not responded to ESPN regarding the allegations raised in the letter.
