De La Hoya Wants Garcia vs. Ortiz – ‘Can Be A Super Fight’
Oscar De La Hoya is open to making a fight between Ryan Garcia and Vergil Ortiz Jr.
Those are De La Hoya’s two biggest stars, although Garcia is banned from boxing. Ryan tested positive for Ostarine, meaning his win over Devin Haney was overturned. The boxer denied taking any substances intentionally. However, strict liability meant he was responsible. Since then, Garcia’s behavior has been erratic.
The WBC banned him after he posted racial slurs and derogatory comments at Muslims, Christians and African Americans. Meanwhile, Garcia’s ex-wide Andrea Celina alleged that he had broken into her house because she refused to allow him to see their kids due to his substance. Garcia has now said he will enter rehab, but his social media following has increased, making him a bigger star. De La Hoya wants to make that fight.
De La Hoya Reacts
“The fight can be a superfight. The buildup starts now. I believe it was Ryan Garcia that called out Vergil. They fought twice in the amateurs; Ryan has two wins. Three strikes and you’re out, so let’s make it in the pros. It’s very doable. That fight at 154 can happen next year at Dallas Cowboys stadium, with Jerry Jones. I’m calling it now: That fight is very doable,” De La Hoya stated
Ortiz is one of boxing’s biggest knockout artists. He has a 100 percent KO rate with a 21-0 record. He moved up from welterweight after struggling to make the weight. Ortiz fainted before his fight with Eimantas Stanionis. The fight was called off as Ortiz moved up to 154. He has had two KOs since then, as he faces Serhii Bohachuk on August 10.
Another win could set up the narrative for a Garcia fight once he returns. Ryan has faced Ortiz in the amateurs and recalls beating him. Garcia claims he dominated Ortiz in the amateurs. He was equally confident about beating Haney based on the amateurs. While he did beat him, it was ultimately a no-contest due to the failed Ostarine test. Based on their previous comments, Garcia and Ortiz want the fight.
Will It Happen?
“I got a call saying you want to step in and replace Tim. I already gave my manager Rick Mirigian the green light to make it happen. Let’s make this happen, Ryan, don’t let me down…and Ryan have actually talked about this. If we end up fighting each other one day, or if the opportunity is there, we’ll take the money, fight a good fight, and leave it all in there. It would be cool. That’s all I can really say about it,” Ortiz stated
“I love Vergil. He’s my homie, but if I have to step in I will. Stop playing with me. I’m up 3-0 on my boy,” Garcia
Nevertheless, there is no guarantee that Garcia returns to boxing. His main aim is to improve his health. He was previously out of the sport for around two years with mental health issues after beating Luke Campbell. As he navigates rehab, De La Hoya knows the importance of doing that correctly. For now, Garcia’s wellbeing should be the main priority, with boxing taking a backstep.
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