Golden Boy sends C&D letter, claims Ryan Garcia interference
Golden Boy Promotions has issued a cease and desist letter to Zuffa Boxing and TKO Group, alleging unauthorized interference with WBC champion Ryan Garcia. The legal action follows reports that Zuffa Boxing intends to promote a fight between Garcia and Conor Benn on September 12, 2026, to be broadcast on Paramount+.
Did You Know? Despite Ryan Garcia announcing the September 12 bout during an appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” last month, sources indicate that no contract had been signed and no deal terms had been discussed at the time of his appearance.
Why the promotional dispute matters
The conflict centers on contractual exclusivity and broadcast rights. According to the letter obtained by ESPN, Golden Boy Promotions asserts that it holds co-promotional rights for Garcia’s bouts and that all of the fighter’s matches are contractually obligated to be broadcast on DAZN.
Golden Boy chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya stated that while he is willing to work with other organizations, his firm has not been included in any negotiations regarding a potential matchup with Benn. The dispute highlights the tension between individual fighter advocacy and established promotional contracts, as Golden Boy maintains that King Ryan Enterprises cannot unilaterally enter into agreements without their consent.
Expert Insight: The legal standoff underscores the complexity of modern boxing contracts where co-promotional rights and streaming platform exclusivity often collide. For a fight of this magnitude to move forward, the stakeholders must resolve the conflict between the proposed Paramount+ broadcast and the existing DAZN obligations to avoid litigation that could jeopardize the event entirely.
What happens next for the potential bout
A possible next step involves formal negotiations between Golden Boy Promotions and Zuffa Boxing to align the fight with existing contractual requirements. De La Hoya has indicated that he is open to making the fight happen if it is done “the right way” with all parties at the table.
If an agreement is not reached, the fight could face significant legal hurdles or cancellation. Because Golden Boy has stated that the event as proposed is a direct violation of their rights and those of DAZN, the promoters may pursue further legal action to protect their interests if Zuffa Boxing proceeds with an independent announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Golden Boy Promotions send a cease and desist letter?
Golden Boy alleges that Zuffa Boxing is interfering with its fighter, Ryan Garcia, by attempting to stage and promote a fight against Conor Benn without Golden Boy’s consent.
What is the primary conflict regarding the broadcast of the fight?
The proposed bout is slated for Paramount+, which Golden Boy claims is a direct violation of their contractual rights and Garcia’s obligation to have his fights broadcast on DAZN.
Was a contract already signed for the Garcia-Benn fight?
No. According to sources, there was no contract signed and no deal had been discussed at the time of Garcia’s public announcement on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
Do you believe that high-profile fighters should have the autonomy to choose their own promotional partners regardless of existing contracts?