Reports suggest Oscar De La Hoya was allegedly denied entry to T-Mobile Arena, where Dana White‘s Zuffa Boxing was hosting its latest event. The incident has added another layer to the long-running feud between the two promoters, especially with De La Hoya’s star fighter, Ryan Garcia, headlining the card against White’s Conor Benn.
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While Garcia retained his welterweight title with a statement win, questions surrounding his promoter’s absence soon became another major talking point.
“I am told Zuffa denied him a credential,” read veteran journalist Dan Rafael’s tweet.
Those comments came in response to a user’s query about De La Hoya’s conspicuous absence from the event. But the clues may have already been there. In the lead-up to the event, including the final press conference, there had been speculations since De La Hoya did not make an appearance with his fighter.
Given his feud with De La Hoya, White’s response about his absence could have been anticipated. But what about Garcia?
I am told Zuffa denied him a credential.
What you know about Oscar’s absence from the whole show?
When asked about De La Hoya’s whereabouts, the welterweight shrugged it off. “I have no idea, brother. I try to stay out of it. I have no bad feelings toward Oscar, and I don’t really know what’s been going on. I just stay out of it and focus on the fight,” he said.
Yet, the post-fight situation painted a different picture, one that stood contrary to what was initially reported.
During the post-fight press conference, Dana White addressed the increasing rumors about De La Hoya. He acknowledged the dislike they both have for each other. Yet, despite their differences and beef, he said he would never prevent De La Hoya from attending an event in which his star fighter competed.
Basically, he confirmed that rumors about De La Hoya being “denied” an entry to the T-Mobile Arena were false. “Why he didn’t show up I don’t know,” White said.
White’s comments align with Ryan Garcia’s statement.
Oscar De La Hoya’s absence turns into a war of conflicting claims
Speaking about his promoter, Garcia revealed that he invited De La Hoya to join him during his walkout. He shared that the organizers told him that they had arranged a seat for De La Hoya. Yet, in the end, it didn’t turn out that way.
Adding another layer to Garcia’s remarks, Dan Rafael later reported that according to Golden Boy Promotions, the champion had invited De La Hoya and Mexican legend Julio Cesar Chavez to walk with him to the ring. But things changed thereafter.
“It was communicated that he changed his mind & instead had Marco Antonio Barrera & Rey Mysterio walk him out. Also, Oscar & other GB personnel were denied credentials even though they had a prelim fight & are Garcia’s promoters. Oscar watched the fight from his home in Vegas,” Rafael wrote.
However, as it often happens in boxing, that version received a prompt counter.
Based on the information received from sources, well-known boxing writer Abraham Gonzalez shared that the invitation from Garcia was indeed in place. However, he seemingly changed his mind. His manager, Lupe Valencia, later informed Golden Boy Promotions that the champion would instead have legend Marco Antonio Barrera and Mexican pro-wrestler Ray Mysterio walk him out.
The situation is intriguing. De La Hoya, who has been severely critical of White, particularly after he entered boxing with his Zuffa promotion, had reportedly filed a cease-and-desist letter to prevent them directly contacting Ryan Garcia for the Conor Benn fight.
To that end, De La Hoya wasn’t even present during the press conference to kick off the fight.
“I mean, how, how, how f–king petty are these guys not to include me and not to, you know, make sure I’m not on stage,” he told Ariel Helwani. “Like what are they afraid I am going to sock Dana in the nose?”
Despite his disappointment, De La Hoya, however, confirmed that he will be “there,” since he is promoting Garcia. “I’m really looking forward to being part of it,” the former six-division champion stated.
The contractual obligations between Garcia and De La Hoya add another angle to the situation.
Reportedly, Garcia has only one fight left in his deal with the Golden Boy Promotions. So it’s likely that De la Hoya, taking note of that journey nearing its end, could have decided to gradually reduce his influence as increasing signals suggest Garcia is leaning towards White’s Zuffa.
“You see the level of preparation and level of experience they have in media. This is something I want for boxing. I want people to cover it and watch it. It feels like Zuffa knows what (it’s) doing,” he said.
After the win, Garcia reportedly looks forward to a Cinco de Mayo double-header alongside David Benavidez next year. While he called out Teofimo Lopez, Benavidez could potentially be matched up against Jai Opetaia, who fought in the co-main event.