Oscar de la Hoya is anxious to produce fireworks for the next Golden Boy Promotions event, despite being cautioned by those closest to him to not light the fuse too soon.
Boxing’s powerbrokers continue to huddle in hopes of bringing boxing back to the United States for the first time since mid-March, when the world pretty much came to a grinding halt due to the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Several states have recently allowed stay-at-home orders to expire, rolling out plans to reopen the economy.
The earliest indication of stateside boxing taking place appears to be June for the moment. Golden Boy is aiming to promote its first event soon thereafter, attaching its name to the first patriotic boxing event in the post-global health crisis. The company that has served at the forefront of Mexico’s most prominent holidays is ready to tap into American customs.
“I’m proud to have promoted [Cinco] de Mayo and September 16 [Mexican Independence Day],” Oscar de la Hoya, founder and chairman of Golden Boy tweeted over the weekend. “Now it’s time for Golden Boy Promotions to take over our countries [sic] birthday 4th of July [Independence Day].”
Should all go as planned for the Hall of Fame former six-division titlist and now veteran promoter, such a show will be topped by rising lightweight contender Ryan Garcia (20-0, 17KOs). The unbeaten 21-year old was originally being groomed for a July 11 crossroads bout versus former three-division titlist Jorge Linares, though—as previously reported by The Athletic’s Mike Coppinger—the Venezuela-born, Japan-based boxer is no longer being considered due to travel restrictions in compliance with CDC (Center for Disease Control) regulations.
De la Hoya also recently told the New York Times that such a show would carry upwards of 10 fights in “any state that will allow it, though with the Fantasy Sports Casino in Indio, California emerging as a potential host.
For now, everything is still being considered—including the possibility of even being able to proceed with such an event.
“We haven’t finalized anything yet,” Eric Gomez, president of Golden Boy confirmed to BoxingScene.com on Monday. “Oscar and I are working every day on many fronts so we can make a safe return.”
California was the first state to institute a stay-at-home policy back in March and is now among the first to modify said order. Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Monday plans to alter the statewide order, which could come as soon as by the end of this week.
Of course, citizens being able to gather in open space does not automatically transition into sports and mass gatherings returning full throttle.
“Obviously, we will follow the lead of local and state authorities to ensure that all safety precautions are taken care of,” explains Gomez. “We must always take into consideration the safety of our fighters and the staff involved as we transition back.”
Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox