Oscar De La Hoya Says Fans Don’t Want Ryan Garcia-Conor Benn, Calls Devin Haney Rematch The Bigger Fight

“And if it were up to me, I would have picked Devin Haney for the rematch. That’s a much bigger fight.”

De La Hoya also cast doubt on reports suggesting the bout is already moving forward, saying Golden Boy has yet to be contacted despite Garcia’s contractual obligations.

“I have yet to be approached about making this fight,” De La Hoya said. “We signed a two-fight deal for Ryan with the Saudis last year. The first fight was with Barrios, and apparently the Saudis have chosen Conor Benn to be Ryan’s next opponent.”

He stressed that Garcia remains under contract with Golden Boy and argued that any fight involving the former interim lightweight champion must go through his promotional company before it can be finalized.

De La Hoya’s comments are likely to resonate with many American fans, who have shown greater interest in a Garcia-Haney rematch than a fight with Benn. While Benn is coming off the biggest victory of his career, it came against 35-year-old Chris Eubank Jr., who had to contend with a contracted weight limit and a rehydration clause before losing a close decision.

Garcia and Haney remain linked by one of boxing’s biggest unresolved rivalries following their April 2024 meeting. Garcia scored three knockdowns on his way to a majority decision victory, but the result was later changed to a no contest after he tested positive for the banned substance Ostarine. A rematch has been discussed ever since, making it a more established rivalry than a first meeting with Benn.