During his latest social media address, promoter Oscar De La Hoya explained his position surrounding the proposed Ryan Garcia exhibition against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo, which is scheduled for December 30.
Shortly after the fighters went nose-to-nose at the Los Angeles press conference on Tuesday, De La Hoya released a statement highlighting that Garcia remained under contract to Golden Boy and he was yet to approve the exhibition.
De La Hoya and Garcia have endured something of a rollercoaster relationship but the promoter insists he is not trying to block the December showcase – he is merely insisting that Garcia honors his contract in the process.
“I was not there [at the press conference] because Ryan’s team thought they could negotiate this entire deal behind my back. Everyone is aware that I have the global deals to Ryan Garcia’s fights, so what the fuck!” De La Hoya said.
“When you sign a contract, it means it’s legally binding, and means you must abide by the terms or risk getting sued – which is what we unfortunately have to do if Golden Boy is not included in this fight.
“For any asshole who says I’m trying to block this fight, you are fucking stupid and fucking wrong. I want Ryan to make money, I want him to fight – but I demand he honors his contract.
“I mean, let’s say you grew some balls and started a business. Would you as the owner let things slide and give certain people a pass? Would you just take it in the ass? No you wouldn’t, and neither am I!”
Garcia remains under suspension from the New York State Athletic Commission until April 2025 for failing two drug tests that resulted in his points victory over Devin Haney being overturned to a no contest.
