Oscar De La Hoya shuts down Garcia-Benn fight rumors

Oscar De La Hoya has shut down speculation about a fight between WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn, stating that no negotiations are underway.

The Golden Boy promoter, who manages Garcia, made the clarification to BBC Sport after rumors surfaced linking the American titleholder with Benn. Garcia claimed the WBC welterweight strap after his April win over Devin Haney, though that result remains clouded by his subsequent drug test failure.

What this means for Benn's welterweight prospects

Benn recently signed with Zuffa Boxing and was expected to chase high-profile bouts in the welterweight division. Eddie Hearn told Dana White during Zuffa's UK launch that he would deliver Benn to the new promotion, making the British fighter one of the organization's key pieces at 147 pounds.

Garcia has not fought since the Haney victory and faces a year-long suspension from the New York State Athletic Commission. His next opponent remains unclear, though a mandatory defense or rematch clause could dictate his 2026 schedule once the suspension lifts.

Source: bbc.co.uk