What’s Next For Ryan Garcia?

Ryan Garcia wants a tune-up fight before he chases the biggest fights. 

Garcia received a one-year ban after failing a test for Ostarine following his victory over Devin Haney. He dropped Devin three times before securing a majority decision win. However, the failed test meant that Garcia received a one-year ban as the win became a no-contest. Garcia’s behavior during the build-up was heavily criticized. His social media activity was erratic, with many claiming that he was suffering from mental health issues. 

The boxer has since then been banned by the WBC after a series of derogatory remarks on social media against African Americans, Christians and Muslims. Garcia was also arrested for reportedly inflicting $15,000 damage at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hill. His ex-wife, Andrea Celina, also alleged that he broke into her apartment after she denied him access to seeing their children. 

This was on the basis that Garcia allegedly had been using substances. However, Garcia admitted that he would be going into rehab as he set his sights on making a comeback. He is in training with Derrick James as Garcia eyes his return. He admitted wanting one tune-up fight before he targets the biggest bouts. 

Garcia Reacts

This naturally begs the question, who would Garcia face? Ryan has already ruled out a rematch with Devin Haney despite the narrative in place for one of the biggest boxing fights. Garcia maintained that the amount of Ostarine in his system was not enough to enhance performance, while Haney claimed that he would beat Garcia on an even playing field. 

Another alternative is to chase the Sebastian Fundora fight. Fundora is reportedly set to face Errol Spence Jr. in January. Fundora holds the WBC and WBO belts, making that a legacy fight for Garcia. He missed out on Haney’s WBC Junior Welterweight Title because he came in over the weight limit, in addition to his failed test. Garcia has repeatedly called out on Fundora and Spence, stating that he believes he could knock them out. 

Another option is to take on Terrence Crawford at 154 pounds. Garcia has been vocal about Crawford’s resume, stating he is overrated. In his fight against Israil Madrimov, Crawford showed that he could be hit repeatedly, but it was his first fight at 154 pounds. Garcia is a much bigger fighter than 140 and has a devastating left hook, as he will fancy his chances. 

There is also the chance to face Virgil Ortiz Jr. Garcia has claimed that he has gotten the better of Ortiz Jr. during their time in sparring. This was the same narrative he put out for his build-up in the Devin Haney fight. If Garcia brings the same confidence he brought against Haney, he may have a successful chance of beating Ortiz. However, Ortiz has knocked out all of his opponents except one. Oscar De La Hoya has indicated his desire to possibly make that fight, as Garcia aims to come back with a bang.

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