Oscar De La Hoya claims Zuffa Boxing is overpaying big names to create a monopoly: “Never a long-term deal”

Oscar De La Hoya believes Zuffa Boxing is trying to fool fighters by offering select names bigger paydays in the short term.

Recently, the promotion booked its biggest match to date with Conor Benn challenging Ryan Garcia for the WBC welterweight title on Sept. 12. Benn is signed to Zuffa Boxing, while Garcia is under De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions. While this will be a co-promoted event, De La Hoya still has major issues with TKO and Zuffa Boxing.

In a new video posted on his Instagram page, De La Hoya ripped the Dana White-led promotion for attempting to trick boxers into thinking their big money payouts will last (via MMAFighting).

“So I saw The Odyssey the other day,” De La Hoya said. “It was about the Greeks and how they invaded the city of Troy by disguising themselves inside a Trojan Horse. They tricked their enemies to get inside their gates and the rest is history. Today, Zuffa Boxing is the Trojan Horse.

“They are overpaying a few boxers to make it seem like this big money will continue, but it won’t. Once they monopolize the sport like they want to, Zuffa will pay fighters peanuts, exactly like the UFC. It’s the same model. They want to change the Muhammad Ali Act so they can operate as their own league with their own rules, their own rankings, their own unicorn belt. They’re luring in the biggest names for fight-by-fight deals. No long contracts. That’s why you see Shakur and Conor fighting a one- or two-fight deal. Never a long-term deal. But again, this is the Trojan Horse.”

Shakur Stevenson has been Zuffa Boxing’s biggest acquisition to date. The deal was largely expected given Terence Crawford’s close ties to White. Crawford has taken Stevenson under his wing throughout the years.

Many other longtime promoters, such as Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn, have also taken aim at Zuffa for attempting to monopolize boxing. White has insisted that he’s doing his own thing and isn’t trying to step on anyone’s toes.

Do you agree with Oscar De La Hoya, or is it sour grapes now that Zuffa Boxing is establishing its brand? Share your opinion in the comments below.