Dana White denies banning Oscar De La Hoya from Garcia-Benn fight

Oscar De La Hoya, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, was absent from the Ryan Garcia versus Conor Benn boxing match in Las Vegas on September 12, 2026. Despite previously teasing a ‘big surprise’ for the event, De La Hoya did not appear at the T-Mobile Arena, leaving fans and his fighter, Ryan Garcia, speculating about his absence.

Ryan Garcia defeated Conor Benn via a second-round stoppage. Following the bout, Garcia expressed disappointment, noting he had invited De La Hoya to join his ring walk, but the promoter did not attend. Reports suggested De La Hoya may have been denied credentials for the Zuffa Boxing event.

Dana White, president of Zuffa Boxing, denied claims that he banned De La Hoya from the venue. While acknowledging a long-standing rivalry between the two promoters, White stated, ‘I would never disrespect him and say, “Oh, he shows up here and we treat him like [badly].”’ White noted he was unaware of the specific reason for De La Hoya’s absence.