Oscar De La Hoya Sparks Fresh Boxing Tension With “Second Class” Claim After Ryan Garcia Win

Oscar De La Hoya sparked debate by labeling British boxing "second class" and "subpar" compared to the United States during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show. His comments followed Ryan Garcia's second-round stoppage victory over previously unbeaten British challenger Conor Benn in Las Vegas on September 12. De La Hoya argued that British fighters lack the championship-level development required against top American talent.

Garcia retained his WBC welterweight title by stopping Benn, who was competing at the 147-pound limit for the first time in over four years. Benn's trainer, Tony Sims, stated Benn will not fight at welterweight again due to weight-cutting difficulties. Following the bout, tension also emerged between Garcia and promoter De La Hoya after De La Hoya failed to appear ringside.