“This Might Go Viral”: Following Back and Forth in the Final Presser, Bernard Hopkins Sends a Strong Message to Ryan Garcia

It would be naive to think that Ryan Garcia would not be responded to after his open outcry. If not from anyone else, a riposte from Bernard Hopkins never appeared far away. The former world champion and now promoter remained true to his character. He loaded his gun and fired the first salvo on the young Californian. The former undisputed middleweight champion was scathing in his criticism of Garcia, who commented about the treatment meted out to him by the two partners at Golden Boy Promotions.

The friction between Ryan Garcia and the De La Hoya-Hopkins team has been simmering for some time. It took an unpleasant turn after the Garcia-Davis fight in April. After the first career loss, ‘KingRy’ poured his heart out on social media. Soon, it turned into a very public tug-of-war between the two sides. Eventually, as it happened, Golden Boy filed a lawsuit against the young boxer. Seven months later, Garcia complied with the Duarte fight. However, seemingly in the absence of any resolution, it was only a matter of time before the difference came out in the open again. This time, though, Bernard Hopkins had some tough words of wisdom for the young fighter.

Bernard Hopkins reality check for Ryan Garcia

‘B-Hop’ said that aside from what he knew, he clearly heard what Ryan Garcia said. With that said fans and followers aren’t going to witness any verbal altercations. None of it is going to happen. He said, “I want Ryan to be successful. I want Ryan to do what he need to do for him and his family and make sure that he’d be able to start a legacy on his own.” But, he explained, for that to happen, Garcia will have to show a willingness to succeed.

Hopkins continued, “Or boxing, and I’ll say it again that this might go viral, this quote anybody out there that’s in this game called boxing. The sweet science Boxing will call your bluff. And I think it caught a lot of people’s bluff in the last couple of years, and we’re going to watch them in live color.”

‘B-Hop’ has been through it all in boxing. Whatever he has learned through a journey, from knocking out ferocious opponents to promoting upcoming prospects, would reflect in his comments.

Promotional pangs

Apart from being a great fighter of his time, Hopkins remains a man well-versed in the politics of boxing. He has made a name for himself in the business of promotions. Despite Garcia’s claims of unfair treatment, Bernard Hopkins strongly believes that this wasn’t the case. Even Oscar De La Hoya, his partner at Golden Boy Promotions, has raised concerns over Garcia’s approach. Now time alone will tell how the young boxer will react to Hopkins’ chiding. But for sure, many fans would be looking forward to it.

Read More: “I Got Negative Vibes”: Shane Mosley Reacts to Ryan Garcia Blasting Oscar De La Hoya and Bernard Hopkins at the Final Presser

Do you think the parties involved – Ryan Garcia, Bernard Hopkins and Oscar De La Hoya, could all have handled their differences a bit more discreetly? Please share your views with us in the comments below.

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