via Getty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 13: Ryan Garcia of the United States speaks during a press conference at Madison Square Garden on December 13, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
via Getty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 13: Ryan Garcia of the United States speaks during a press conference at Madison Square Garden on December 13, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
In a twist as unexpected as a knockout punch, boxer Ryan Garcia takes a swing at ESPN’s commentary team. Known for his lightning-fast jabs in the ring, Garcia now targets the media giant, specifically their coverage of the Shakur Stevenson vs Edwin De Los Santos fight. His accusation? A glaring bias, veiling ESPN’s sports commentary.
Surprisingly, it’s not Stevenson’s in-ring tactics, but the words from the commentators that ignited Garcia’s criticism. He hinted at favoritism so evident, it casts a shadow over the sport’s integrity. What exactly did he say and what was his critique?
Garcia praises DAZN, critiques ESPN
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The fight between Shakur Stevenson and Edwin De Los Santos billed as a highlight in the boxing calendar, concluded in an anticlimax that left many fans and commentators visibly disappointed. Stevenson, who clinched the WBC lightweight world title, didn’t deliver the electrifying performance expected of him. Acknowledging the lackluster showing, “Sugar” openly apologized, admitting, “I had a bad performance tonight.”
Amidst this backdrop of disappointment, Ryan Garcia directed his anger not at the fighters, but at the commentators. Garcia’s dissatisfaction with ESPN’s coverage was palpable. He emphatically stated, “If Shakur don’t throw a lot of punches, he’s controlling the fight. If somebody else don’t throw a lot of punches, it’s ‘oh man he’s reluctant, oh he’s hesitant’.” This statement underscored his perception of a biased narrative favoring Stevenson.
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Garcia continued his tirade, expressing his disdain for the partiality he observed. “It’s just so biased. I can’t even watch ESPN fights no more. I really can’t,” he remarked. His frustration was evident as he compared the broadcasting styles of ESPN and DAZN. Praising DAZN for their authenticity, he said, “At least on DAZN they keep it real. They don’t keep it real on ESPN.” Garcia isn’t a fan of Stevenson and even called him “arrogant” in the same interview. He recounted an encounter between him and Stevenson in Las Vegas that rubbed him the wrong way.
Ryan Garcia recounts an unpalatable encounter with Stevenson
In a revealing moment, Ryan Garcia shared an incident that highlighted the tension between him and Shakur Stevenson. Recounting a time in Vegas, “KingRy” described an interaction with Stevenson that left him irked. While enjoying a conversation with Keyshawn Davis, Garcia invited Stevenson to join them, only to be met with a dismissive response. “He looks at me and goes, ‘Nah, you got to come over here’,” Garcia reported, remarking on Stevenson’s arrogance.
However, Stevenson countered this narrative, insisting he was not being arrogant and expressed his reluctance to engage with them, having been at the spot before Garcia and Davis. This exchange not only reflects their personal dynamics but also adds a layer of complexity to their public personas and interactions.
Also Read: Oscar De La Hoya Calls-Out Shakur Stevenson to Fight Ryan Garcia in Bold Claim
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Ryan Garcia and Shakur have always been in controversies with each other. Oscar De La Hoya even suggested they fight each other. Who do you think would win in a fight between them? Let us know your thoughts.
Watch this story: Ryan Garcia & Sean O’Malley Twitter Beef Turns into Fight Call-Out
