‘Undisputed‘ reportedly features over seventy licensed fighters, yet seemingly it still hasn’t given space to icons such as Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield. For many fans, emotions ran high when they saw Undisputed‘s latest tweet. It announced the return of none other than Ryan Garcia. And why not? KingRy has finally completed his year-long suspension.

The former interim lightweight champion was sidelined following a decision by the state athletic commission after reports emerged that he failed drug tests related to the Haney fight. His subsequent unsavory behavior also led the WBC to expel him from its membership. As a result, the developers of the Undisputed game followed suit and removed Garcia from their roster. Next weekend, the 26-year-old fighter will return to the ring. As part of Riyadh Season’s Fatal Fury: City of Wolves event, he will face Rolando Romero. Interestingly, the Times Square spectacle will also feature his archrival, Devin Haney.

‘KingRy’ steps back into the spotlight

With Ryan Garcia’s animated image rolling across the screen, Undisputed‘s tweet read, “Who wants the smoke? Ryan Garcia is back.” Strictly speaking, when the preview version of Undisputed Boxing was available on PC, Garcia was part of the roster. However, when the game later expanded to consoles, Garcia was notably absent.

Last year, an October story by Forbes revealed that Steel City Interactive follows the World Boxing Council’s (WBC) rulings on boxer eligibility. Therefore, since the WBC had suspended Garcia, the game’s developers and publishers chose to remove him as well.

“I look for him to get back into boxing. I look for the WBC to lift that suspension once they deem it appropriate…. We’re hoping that’s what happens and he does come back into Undisputed once that does happen,” Steel City Interactive’s head explained at the time.

Let’s check what some of the fans had to say about Ryan Garcia’s reentry and some exclusions.

Still no sign of ‘Iron’ Mike?

One fan, thrilled with the news, said, “F**kin finally! Shouldn’t have taken him out in the first place.” Their excitement is understandable. However, those familiar with the situation know why Garcia was initially removed. Without the drug controversy and public outbursts, this drama might have been avoided, right?

Another fan hyped up the moment, posting: 🔥🔥🔥 Now add Tank, Haney, Shakur, Teofimo, Benavidez, Tyson, Mayweather 😭.” While Ryan Garcia’s return adds value, the absence of other equally, if not more, famous fighters like Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather raises questions. How is their exclusion justified?

Not everyone was thrilled. One disappointed fan wrote, “I can’t wait until EA Sports releases a new Fight Night because Undisputed keeps disappointing.” Their main complaint echoed a common theme: the lack of legends like Tyson and Holyfield. “Still no Mike Tyson or Holyfield or any other famous boxer besides Ryan Garcia, who’s not famous at all. Wow, Undisputed is in dire need of help.”

Their frustration makes sense. After all, many boxing fans still follow the careers and legacies of legends like Tyson and Holyfield. Replacing them with a figure like Garcia, who is yet to secure a world title, feels unsatisfactory to many.

Another fan was blunt in their demand: “WE NEED GEORGE FOREMAN AND MIKE TYSON.” Both Foreman and Tyson are towering figures in boxing history. Especially now, with Foreman’s passing last month, it feels even more important to honor him. Video games play a huge role in preserving a champion’s legacy for new generations.

The disappointment didn’t stop there. One fan said, “Bring in Danny Garcia, Adam Berto Shakur, Stevenson Jaron Ennis, and Errol Spencer.” Clearly, many feel ‘Undisputed‘ needs to double down and seriously bolster its roster with major names. If post-controversy Ryan Garcia can be considered for a return, then why not Mike Tyson? Yes, Tyson is 58 years old. But didn’t he fight a YouTuber-turned-boxer, 30 years his junior, just five months ago? And when it comes to records and achievements, Tyson’s legacy far outweighs that of Ryan Garcia.

What’s your take on Ryan Garcia’s return to Undisputed, especially as he gears up for his comeback fight?