The boxing world eagerly awaits the return of Ryan Garcia, who is set to make his comeback in April following a lengthy suspension. Oscar De La Hoya, the founder of Golden Boy Promotions and Garcia’s promoter, is maintaining an optimistic outlook for his fighter’s return. With a professional record of 24 wins, 1 loss and an impressive 20 knockouts, Garcia is undoubtedly one of the brightest stars in the sport. De La Hoya is poised to orchestrate a grand campaign to reignite Garcia’s status as a boxing powerhouse, yet he has ruled out a rematch with Devin Haney.
Haney’s camp has made it clear that they want a rematch after their encounter earlier this year. Bill Haney, Devin’s father and trainer, is particularly vocal about this desire and has been advocating for stringent drug testing protocols with VADA if the fight were to materialize. However, De La Hoya’s comments suggest a different direction, indicating that a rematch with Haney is not in the cards. This decision is not merely a promotional tactic; it reflects a strategic assessment of Garcia’s potential opponents in a highly competitive weight class packed with challenging fighters. Without a rematch, Haney is left to navigate an array of formidable contenders vying to capitalize on his previous bout with Garcia.
The selection of Garcia’s opponent is crucial; De La Hoya emphasized the need for a careful choice. A hasty matchup against a seasoned competitor such as Teofimo Lopez or an elusive fighter could prove detrimental to Garcia’s confidence and trajectory. With upcoming bouts crucial to his career, De La Hoya is tasked with identifying an opponent who can provide both an engaging and manageable challenge for Garcia. This approach aims to ensure that Garcia not only returns to the ring but does so in a manner that builds anticipation and engages fans.
De La Hoya is not merely focused on matchmaking; he envisions a comprehensive promotional strategy to maximize Garcia’s return. The promoter’s excitement is palpable as he hints at an extensive lead-up period that will build anticipation and excitement surrounding Garcia’s fight. As De La Hoya stated, “I have huge plans for Ryan that nobody can even think of.” By creating a buzz around Garcia’s return, the promoter aims to capitalize on his popularity, ensuring that the fight becomes a significant event in the boxing calendar.
Garcia’s comeback signifies more than just a return to the ring; it represents a new chapter in his career. De La Hoya’s careful consideration of opponents and promotional strategies highlights a thoughtful approach to safeguarding and advancing his superstar’s career. With Garcia’s ambitions mirroring those of his promoter, it’s clear that both are eager to embark on this journey together. As the boxing community buzzes with speculation and excitement, one thing remains certain: Ryan Garcia’s return is poised to make waves in the world of boxing.