“Working on Ryan Garcia versus Benn. I just got the memo today. So, that’s the fight that everybody wants to see. So, I’m gonna make it happen for you guys,” said De La Hoya on Instagram.
Earlier this year, De La Hoya said Golden Boy had not been contacted about the proposed Ryan-Benn fight after Ryan announced plans for a September 12 event in Las Vegas. His latest comments indicate Golden Boy is now directly involved in negotiations.
Ryan has repeatedly called for the fight, while Benn enters the matchup off an April victory over Regis Prograis. Although no official announcement has been made, De La Hoya’s update suggests talks are moving forward.
If finalized, Ryan would be making the first defense of his WBC welterweight title. Benn would be challenging for his first world championship after rebuilding his career with consecutive wins over Peter Dobson, Chris Eubank Jr. and Prograis.
During the same video, De La Hoya also said Golden Boy is working on a junior middleweight fight between Vergil Ortiz Jr. and former unified welterweight champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis, adding another high-profile matchup to the company’s plans for the remainder of the year.
