I’m searching for greatness,” declared Ryan Garcia. The American boxer currently trains with the likes of Errol Spence Jr. and Jermell Charlo. As he strives to improve, he switched to a star-studded stable where he is no longer the biggest name. He has specified his intent to become a champion with Derrick James in his corner. But has he made the right choice?

After a loss to Gervonta Davis in April, Garcia went on a screening spree and picked Derrick James as his new trainer. However, James had had struggles of his own. After all, Errol Spence Jr. and Jermell Charlo have both faced defeat under James’ mentorship.

Ryan Garcia and Derrick James’ partnership: Nothing to scorn over

The 25-year-old boxer parted ways with his previous trainer, Joe Goossen, as the relationship between them was more collaborative than a traditional one. Meanwhile, the man who guided Errol Spence Jr. and Jermell Charlo to the unification title wins is a no-nonsense trainer. He doesn’t bow down to star power. Could he be the right person to guide Garcia?

James has carved out a name for molding power punchers, and Garcia might perfectly align with him. He will try to plug the holes in Garcia’s defense. After all, many were of the opinion that he lost to Davis owing to his poor defensive skills.

A well-laid plan is already in motion, and James is not only conditioning Garcia physically but also uplifting him psychologically. To help overcome the burden of a devastating loss to Davis, James imparted crucial advice to ‘The Flash’.

He said, “It’s in the past. You can’t live in it cause you can’t move forward… That’s real life. So don’t worry about it. Keep it moving and just stay focused.” Therefore, James seems like a suitable choice to sculpt Garcia’s boxing skills. It’s a partnership that might change the boxing landscape and their careers. That’s something that even Oscar De La Hoya believes.

A champion’s attitude and a coach who works wonders

De La Hoya explained to ‘DAZN’ why he believed Garcia and James were an ideal fit. “Well, he [Ryan Garcia] has a champion’s attitude. That’s exactly what he has. Ryan Garcia is very confident. His trainer has been doing wonders, and he can’t wait to showcase.”

The 50-year-old promoter has publicly admitted that Garcia made the right call. Calling James an “excellent trainer,” he stated, “I think that a trainer’s there to discipline you. A trainer’s there to keep you in line. To teach you. To give you that game plan, to better your skills, and I believe he picked the right trainer.”

Hence, there is growing consensus in the boxing community that James can steer Garcia to winning ways against Oscar Duarte on December 2. However, there are still some doubts. The skepticism about Garcia’s commitment to boxing and sometimes his fight IQ has been raised. Moreover, the most popular names attached to James, Errol Spence Jr., and Jermell Charlo have tasted defeat this year. Was it a mere hype bubble that has burst?

Anthony Joshua’s stamp of validation and a win in waiting

One can just float speculations until Garcia steps back into the ring on December 2. In James, he surely has a trainer who knows how to work out solutions. This was the reason Anthony Joshua joined James earlier this year. “I really do rate Derrick James as a trainer… It’s all on me but asides from what he does for me. I just think Derrick as a coach, I really do rate him highly, “ Joshua announced.

Read More: “Haven’t Really Put Too Much Thought Into It”: Focused On His Comeback Fight, Ryan Garcia Remains Brutally Honest While Talking About Ongoing Lawsuit Against $200 Million Promoter Oscar De La Hoya

His resume speaks for itself. James is widely regarded as one of the best trainers. But recently, his luck has run out. Garcia might give him much-needed relief by dismantling Duarte.

What do you make of Ryan Garcia joining hands with Derrick James? Do you believe Garcia will rebound in his fight? Let us know in the comments below.

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