Ryan Garcia is back to square one. After screening multiple candidates and leaving negotiations midway, he is now left with no opponent in sight. The American boxer toyed with the idea of fighting Rolando Romero and Isaac Cruz but never set his heart on one. With both now set to fight on March 30, Garcia might have to return to where it all started.
When ‘KingRy’ knocked out Oscar Duarte and began his resurgence at super lightweight, the fans were buzzing. He then teased a fight with the newly-crowned WBC champion, Devin Haney. However, soon his interest would cool down, and he would chase the likes of Rolly Romero, only to be left disappointed. With his options now gunned down to almost zero, Bernard Hopkins has reignited the talks of Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia.
Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia is back on the table
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Bernard Hopkins discussed the possibility of Garcia fighting ‘The Dream’ in a conversation with Fight Hub TV. The reporter suggested three big fights for the California native at 140 pounds: Teofimo Lopez, Devin Haney, and a rematch with Gervonta Davis. With Lopez set to fight next month against Jamaine Ortiz and the uncertainty of ‘Tank’, Haney remains the only name.
When asked about the possibility of Garcia finally clashing with Haney, Hopkins remained hopeful. He said, “You know, it’s possibly. It’s possibly. It’s important. But let me tell you. I don’t think fights should be anticipated and this is my opinion.”
However, there are lingering questions about the 25-year-old’s chances against Haney or any top-quality boxer. Garcia has good hand speed, and a devastating left hook. But his performance against Gervonta Davis (now Abdul Wahid) exposed chinks in his armor. Therefore, to throw his hat among the very best, he might have to turn to Hopkins.
Garcia needs to emulate Bernard Hopkins
Roy Jones Jr. believes Garcia has to upgrade himself and add another skill set to disguise his left hook. He has specified how Garcia has to learn from Hopkins, who sustained at the top as “he kept changing the arsenal.” Notably, Hopkins reigned as the undisputed middleweight champion for almost four years and then became a light heavyweight champion.
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Garcia exhibited a new skill as he employed a Floyd Mayweather-esque shoulder roll during the Duarte fight. In addition, he might add more fights under his belt and stack up his resume before he fights the likes of Haney. But he appears to have run out of opponents as of now.
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What do you make of the chances of Ryan Garcia accepting a fight with Devin Haney? Who do you think Garcia should fight next? Let us know in the comments below.
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