Published 27 days ago
Oscar De La Hoya’s notable absence at the Garcia vs Benn fight raises questions about his role in the champion’s career.
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Ryan Garcia expressed his disappointment over Oscar De La Hoya’s absence at his victorious fight against Conor Benn on September 12 in Las Vegas. The champion, who expected symbolic support, regrets the lack of recognition from his longtime mentor.
To remember:
- Ryan Garcia criticizes Oscar De La Hoya’s absence at his WBC welterweight title fight against Conor Benn.
- The boxer had hoped for a symbolic gesture of support from his longtime promoter after his two-round victory.
- The lack of post-fight communication is heightening tensions between Garcia and De La Hoya.
On September 12 in Las Vegas, Ryan Garcia made history by defeating Conor Benn in just two rounds to claim the WBC welterweight title. Yet one presence was conspicuously missing: that of Oscar De La Hoya, his mentor and longtime promoter at Golden Boy Promotions. An absence that deeply disappointed the young champion, who had grown accustomed to unwavering support.
In a post-fight statement, Garcia didn’t hide his bitterness: « I wish he had been there, walking me to the ring like a mentor should ». The boxer, who has always seen De La Hoya as a father figure, expected a strong gesture after his stellar performance. Yet, despite an official invitation and VIP access, the promoter didn’t bother to show up. Worse still, Garcia hasn’t received a single message of congratulations or acknowledgment since the fight, a situation that’s fueling tensions between the two men.
Immaturity or a Deliberate Strategy?
This absence raises questions about the relationship between Garcia and De La Hoya. Some observers see it as a sign of immaturity on the promoter’s part, unable to acknowledge his protégé’s achievement. Others, more skeptical, suggest it might be a calculated move to create distance after years of close collaboration. Either way, Garcia, who has always shown loyalty to Golden Boy, now feels betrayed by the lack of tangible support.
The post-fight silence is all the more surprising given that De La Hoya had always been present at key moments in Garcia’s career. His absence that night leaves a lingering doubt: could this budding rivalry with Conor Benn have changed the game? One thing is certain—Garcia is now waiting for answers, and perhaps even a reconciliation.
Oscar De La Hoya’s absence at the Garcia vs Benn fight has exposed cracks in what was once a solid relationship. While Garcia had hoped for a symbolic gesture, the promoter chose to stay in the shadows, leaving the champion with a palpable sense of disappointment. The ball is now in De La Hoya’s court: will he acknowledge his protégé’s achievement, or will this distance mark the beginning of a new era for Golden Boy?