Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions ‘SUES Ryan Garcia’ in an attempt to make the boxing star fulfill his contract
- Boxing star Ryan Garcia initially signed with Golden Boy Promotions in 2016
- But there have been tensions between the two parties of late
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions filed a lawsuit against Ryan Garcia on Friday in a move to enforce the company’s contract with the boxer, according to ESPN.
Garcia’s legal team previously sent Golden Boy a demand letter alleging violations in the parties’ agreement, thus – in their view – invalidating the contract.
Garcia’s attorney and adviser, Guadalupe Valencia, was also named in the suit.
‘Golden Boy has been proud to have worked with Ryan Garcia for the last several years and to help catapult him to the kind of stardom that led to the biggest boxing Pay Per View event in years just two months ago,’ the promotion said Friday to ESPN.
‘With this filing, we are seeking to ensure that Ryan and his team will honor the remainder of his contract, a contract that Ryan himself called ‘one of the most lucrative boxing deals for a prospect in the history of the sport.’
‘Since then, Ryan has moved on to becoming a legitimate contender, and we will continue to present Ryan with the best possible opponents that can eventually lead the way to a world championship and a historic legacy.’
![Ryan Garcia and his lawyer are being sued by Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/06/17/16/72247497-0-image-a-46_1687017043801.jpg)
Ryan Garcia and his lawyer are being sued by Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions
![Garcia celebrates with De La Hoya after his win against Jose Lopez on March 30, 2019](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/06/17/16/72247499-0-image-a-45_1687017040237.jpg)
Garcia celebrates with De La Hoya after his win against Jose Lopez on March 30, 2019
Garcia, who first signed with Golden Boy in 2016, claimed in his letter to the promotion that Golden Boy had conflicting agreements with him and broadcast partner DAZN.
According to the letter obtained by ESPN, Garcia’s 2019 extension allowed him to fight on pay-per view with any network.
But Garcia was allegedly told ahead of his April fight with Gervonta Davis that the bout ‘could not happen unless it was broadcast on DAZN because of an exclusive agreement Golden Boy had separately negotiated with DAZN.’
Ultimately, the fight was broadcast by both Showtime and DAZN, which was paid a $1.25million ‘step-aside fee,’ according to ESPN.
‘Golden Boy is obligated to promote and enhance Ryan Garcia, not malign him on Twitter and file a public, baseless lawsuit against him,’ Garcia’s attorney, Bo Pearl said in a statement provided to ESPN on Friday.
‘Ironically, the lawsuit itself constitutes a breach of the very agreement Golden Boy is seeking to enforce. It is obvious retaliation to a letter detailing multiple asserted breaches of contract by Golden Boy.’
![Gervonta Davis knocks down Ryan Garcia during their catchweight bout on April 22](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/06/17/17/70625261-12206065-Gervonta_Davis_knocks_down_Ryan_Garcia_during_their_catchweight_-a-47_1687018081741.jpg)
Gervonta Davis knocks down Ryan Garcia during their catchweight bout on April 22
![Rising star Garcia, 24, was counted out after a brutal body shot from 'Tank' in Las Vegas](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/06/17/17/70139169-12206065-Rising_star_Garcia_24_was_counted_out_after_a_brutal_body_shot_f-a-48_1687018700542.jpg)
Rising star Garcia, 24, was counted out after a brutal body shot from ‘Tank’ in Las Vegas
‘Rather than address these serious issues in mediation [as is required under the contract], Golden Boy rushed to court to sue its fighter. To be sure, we will respond to this gamesmanship and fully enforce all of Ryan’s contractual rights against Golden Boy as well as his rights under state and federal law.’
Garcia, who signed with GBP on Nov. 1, 2016, also argued that Golden Boy violated California’s seven-year rule for personal service agreements, per ESPN. He believes his contract should end on Nov. 1 of this year.
Golden Boy believes they have fulfilled their obligations to Garcia, who also seeks to end contract exclusivity with DAZN.
The suit comes following tension between Garcia and De La Hoya after the boxing legend suggested Garcia could face Manny Pacquiao in his next fight.
Pacquiao is of course one of the greatest fighters of all-time but is far past his prime at the age of 44.
And Garcia, 24, was not happy upon seeing news that De La Hoya was looking at Pacquiao as a possible next opponent.
‘This isn’t happening!!,’ he wrote on Twitter. ‘I said what I wanted… It’s frustrating.. tired of this.’