A quiet storm is brewing. If not inside the ring, outside, Ryan Garcia still packs a punch. With millions following, there’s a reason why, despite the ups and downs in his career, Garcia remains a popular figure. However, his attempts to capitalize on the adulation often exact a price. Social media is now ablaze with his latest comments. During a discussion with Ring panelists Max Kellerman and Mike Coppinger, Garcia spoke about Gennady Golovkin, the former middleweight king, whose fights with Canelo Alvarez dazzled the mid-2010s.

Though not officially retired, Triple G has stayed out of the ring since the 2022 Canelo trilogy. An Olympic silver medalist, the Kazakh icon, in the meantime, became a catalyst for reviving Olympic boxing. As 2025 draws to a close, Gennady Golovkin‘s name appears on the ballot for induction into the International Hall of Fame, under the Modern Greats category. The honorees are yet to be finalized. So things turned on their head when Ryan Garcia questioned Triple G’s nomination. His statements have sparked a heated debate now.

Ryan Garcia isn’t buying Gennady Golovkin’s legendary status

In the latest episode of the Ring Magazine podcast, Ryan Garcia said, “Well, one, Triple G had no great victories. I mean, who did he beat?” Max Kellerman countered. The first fight between Golovkin and Canelo is still debated since many felt the former deserved a win. Garcia conceded, “The thing I will give him, though, is he was one of the superstars in boxing at a certain time for a long time. I will give him that.”

Still, it wasn’t enough for him to consider Triple G for a Hall of Fame honor. “I just don’t see him as a Hall of Famer yet. I can’t give him that nod,” he said. A string of critiques immediately poured in. Dan Canobbio wrote, “This proves you can be a pro boxer AND have really bad opinions on the sport.”

Now on the back foot, Ryan Garcia fired a cheeky response: “You will let anyone in the Hall of Fame; my standards are high.” However, perhaps sensing things were going a bit out of hand, he offered an explanation. “I made it clear to everyone; it’s called HALL OF FAME for a reason. You guys don’t really value that title that much then. I don’t really have any emotions toward who’s in and who’s not, but there’s a level of greatness I expect when I think of the Hall of Fame.”

While not agreeing with Garcia, Mike Coppinger shared a balanced perspective.

One word for the legend, Triple G

“While I disagree with Ryan on GGG, understand where he’s coming from. And it’s true, the Boxing Hall of Fame could definitely be more selective with who gains entry,” the noted boxing insider said. Perhaps that’s the lens through which everyone should view the HOF induction. A Hall of Fame career extends beyond the ring, which alone makes it an exclusive club. Entry, therefore, should be rigorous and exacting.

It cannot be denied. Last decade’s middleweight story was scripted by Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez. The latter remains the biggest name on Golovkin’s resume. But he fought the battles that came his way. They were not his picks.

Grueling battles against Daniel Jacobs and Sergiy Derevyanchenko still give goosebumps. He held multiple middleweight titles and was a two-time unified champion of the division. Now he’s playing a key role to ensure a better future for amateur boxers.

Gennady Golovkin may not have been an era-defining fighter. However, considering his contributions inside and outside the ring, a recognition worthy of his status would hardly be outlandish.

What about you? Do you agree with Ryan Garcia’s take on Gennady Golovkin?