Eddie Hearn Claims DAZN Sent Zuffa Boxing Ryan Garcia Warning Before Golden Boy

Matchroom chairman says DAZN and Golden Boy both asserted contractual rights as talks of a Ryan Garcia-Conor Benn fight intensified

Eddie Hearn says Zuffa Boxing received a cease-and-desist letter from DAZN days before Golden Boy Promotions publicly stepped in over Ryan Garcia. Speaking on Chris Mannix’s channel, Hearn claimed DAZN informed Zuffa that Garcia’s services could not be pursued without addressing the broadcaster’s contractual position.

Hearn insisted that Golden Boy’s legal action was not the first warning Zuffa had received.

“They didn’t just receive a cease and desist from Golden Boy yesterday. About three or four days ago, they received a cease and desist from DAZN saying, ‘Excuse me, you need to understand Ryan Garcia is exclusive to DAZN,” said Hearn on Chris Mannix’s channel. “Therefore, if you want to procure his services, you need to be having a conversation not just with Oscar De La Hoya. Damn right, as his actual promoter, but also with the broadcaster that holds that exclusivity.'”

“If that doesn’t get resolved, there will be no Ryan Garcia-Conor Benn fight, and DAZN kind of hold the keys to that. Dana hates it because not just has Dana got to have a conversation with DAZN. They’ve got to have a conversation with Oscar De La Hoya.”

The Matchroom chairman argued that boxing’s fragmented landscape differs significantly from the centralized model long employed by the UFC.

“They think they can just walk in. Right now, it’s a really interesting situation because if that doesn’t get resolved, there will be no Ryan Garcia-Conor Benn fight.”

Ryan remains under promotional ties with Golden Boy, while Benn has emerged as one of the fighters most frequently linked to Zuffa Boxing’s expanding ambitions in the sport. Although discussions surrounding the fight have intensified, no official announcement has been made regarding a date or venue.

If Hearn’s account is accurate, Zuffa Boxing may need to navigate negotiations involving both Golden Boy and DAZN before a Garcia-Benn showdown can become a reality.