Legal Battle Erupts: Fanmio Sues Ryan Garcia and Golden Boy Promotions Over Contract Breach

In a dramatic turn of events, the entertainment platform Fanmio has filed a lawsuit against boxing star Ryan Garcia and his promoter, Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions, following Garcia's withdrawal from a highly anticipated December 2024 pay-per-view event. The event, which was set to air on Fanmio, was scheduled to feature Garcia in a boxing exhibition against kickboxer Rukiya Anpo in Tokyo.

Garcia announced on December 15 that he was forced to pull out of the event due to a wrist injury. However, Fanmio alleges that Garcia and Golden Boy Promotions engaged in fraudulent behavior, claiming that Garcia never intended to participate in the event despite receiving payment and the promotion being well underway. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court in California, includes eight claims, including fraudulent inducement, tortious interference, and breach of contract.

Fanmio's statement read, "Despite receiving payment and the promotion being well underway, Fanmio was deceived into organizing an event in which Ryan never intended to participate. In addition, Golden Boy Promotions actively worked to sabotage the event. ... Despite Ryan's exclusivity to the event, he is set to fight on May 2 in Times Square, disregarding his contractual obligations."

Garcia's attorney, Guadalupe Valencia, responded to the lawsuit, stating, "This suit has no merit whatsoever. We will respond vigorously when the time is appropriate." A spokesperson for Golden Boy Promotions declined to comment on the matter.

Garcia, who holds a record of 24-1 with 20 knockouts, remains under suspension by the New York State Athletic Commission until April 20. His next fight, scheduled for May 2 in Times Square, will be against former champion Rolly Romero and will mark Garcia's first bout at the 147-pound welterweight limit.

This legal battle is not the only one Fanmio is currently embroiled in. The platform and its owner, Solomon Engel, are also facing a lawsuit from former UFC champion Nate Diaz, who claims he is owed $9 million following a boxing match promoted by Fanmio. Engel, however, remains optimistic, stating, "The lawsuit with Nate Diaz was moved to arbitration after we got it dismissed from court last year. We're close to a ruling on the case, as we had a hearing before the arbitration panel. With the evidence supported for Fanmio's position, we are very hopeful to get a favorable result."

Fanmio has previously hosted high-profile boxing events, including the June 2021 Floyd Mayweather-Logan Paul exhibition in Miami, which was a commercial success. The outcome of this legal dispute could have significant implications for the future of boxing promotions and athlete contracts.