Oscar De La Hoya Speaks Out on Ryan Garcia’s Upcoming Exhibition Fight

Oscar De La Hoya is back in the spotlight, and this time he’s addressing the buzz around Ryan Garcia’s upcoming exhibition match against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo, set for December 30. In a recent social media update, the boxing legend made it clear that he’s not trying to block the fight. Instead, he’s emphasizing that Garcia needs to stick to his contract with Golden Boy Promotions.

The Ups and Downs of Their Relationship

Oscar De La Hoya and Ryan Garcia have had a rocky relationship over the years, filled with ups and downs since Garcia joined Golden Boy. The drama hit a new peak after a press conference where Garcia and Anpo faced off, leading many to wonder what’s really going on behind the scenes. De La Hoya expressed his frustration at being kept out of the loop, saying, “I wasn’t there because Ryan’s team thought they could negotiate this entire deal behind my back.”

His comments highlight a key point: Garcia is still under contract with Golden Boy, meaning any fight negotiations should involve De La Hoya. He warned that skipping this step could lead to serious legal trouble. “When you sign a contract, it’s legally binding,” he said, stressing that fighters need to follow through on their commitments.

Legal Issues and What They Mean

De La Hoya didn’t mince words when discussing the importance of contracts in the boxing world. He’s not just worried about business; he genuinely wants what’s best for Garcia. “I want Ryan to make money; I want him to fight—but I demand he honors his contract.” He made a strong point about how any business owner would react: “Would you just let things slide and give certain people a pass? No way, and neither am I!”

This comparison really drives home how serious the situation is. De La Hoya’s message is simple: contracts matter, and they protect both the promoter and the fighter. Ignoring these agreements can lead to a mess that no one wants to deal with.

Garcia’s Suspension Complicates Things

Things get even more complicated when you consider that Ryan Garcia is currently suspended by the New York State Athletic Commission until April 2025. This suspension is due to two failed drug tests that turned his victory over Devin Haney into a no contest. This adds another layer of challenge for Garcia as he looks to participate in the upcoming exhibition.

With all these factors in play, it’s clear that Garcia has some tough decisions ahead. Can he keep his contract obligations in mind while still chasing new opportunities? De La Hoya’s firm stance suggests that this isn’t going to be an easy road, and one wrong move could lead to serious legal issues.

In short, Oscar De La Hoya is making it clear that while he’s not blocking Ryan Garcia’s fight, he’s standing firm on the importance of honoring contracts in boxing. As fans look forward to the exhibition on December 30, all eyes are on Garcia to see how he’ll navigate this tricky situation. Will he be able to balance his aspirations with the hard truths of contract law? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: De La Hoya is watching closely, and he’s not backing down anytime soon.