Dana White has opened the door for Ryan Garcia to join Zuffa Boxing's fast-growing stable after admitting the pair have undertaken "fascinating" discussions following the Californian's explosive stoppage victory over Conor Benn.
The American fulfilled his pre-fight vow of brutally beating the former Matchroom man, needing less than two rounds to force referee Thomas Taylor into halting the Las Vegas staged contest in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Garcia looked levels above his undoubtedly weight-drained opponent, rocking, dropping and eventually stopping him just one minute and 25 seconds into the second stanza.
The manner of his victory led to questions as to what's next, and whilst there are a number of obvious potential contenders in the shape of unification fights with either Teofimo Lopez or Devin Haney, there is also a significant talking point as to who his future promoter is going to be.
A long-term agreement with Golden Boy reaches its conclusion following his next fight and it's largely expected that Garcia will pursue a fresh opportunity given his tumultuous relationship with De La Hoya.
"We'll see how this whole thing plays out. [Garcia] has one more fight [left] with Oscar De La Hoya," UFC / Zuffa Boxing supremo White said at the post-fight press conference.
Here's what I can tell you, there was a lot of wheeling and dealing going on tonight at this event. It's fascinating!
- Dana White (Zuffa Boxing CEO)
Quite what his revelation means remains to be seen, although it would come as absolutely no surprise to see Zuffa attempt to secure the signature of one of the sport's biggest names.
Whilst Garcia has endured difficulties both inside and outside of the ring over the past couple of years, he looked every part the world champion he was always tipped to be when dismantling Benn at the T-Mobile Arena.
The 29-year-old wasted no time in making an immediate beeline for Lopez when speaking to the media after his latest victory, stating his belief that the WBA titlist would prove far easier to beat than many in the sport envisage.
"I think he's weak in his defence," Garcia added. "I think that people kind of overrate his defence.
"I think that he's much easier to hit than people think he is and I think that I will knock him out. I think that my punch is heavy, and once I crack him, I think that he'll stumble and I'll get him out of there.
"I think that my punch is heavy, and once I crack him, I think that he'll stumble and I'll get him out of there.
"Now, I'm not going to say it's going to be the easiest fight, but I know I'll get him out of there."
