Ryan Garcia is alleged to have refused the chance to take on a two-weight world champion.
Garcia has had to endure a difficult period over the past 18 months or so, after what he thought was a career-best victory against Devin Haney back in April 2024.
‘King Ry’ dropped Haney multiple times on his way to an upset points win, but the result was overturned to a no contest after Garcia tested positive for a banned substance.
A 12-month ban followed, but Garcia returned in May looking to get his career back on track when he took on Rolly Romero at Times Square in New York on May. It didn’t go to plan though, as he was knocked down and suffered a surprise points loss.
It’s currently unknown what Garcia’s next move will now be, with a rematch against Romero believed to be one option, but it has now been suggested that he’s turned down the opportunity to face a reigning world champion.
Posting on social media, Teofimo Lopez was the one to make the claim.
“My team told @OscarDeLaHoya we’d fight @RyanGarcia next, and his management turned it down.”
Lopez is the reigning WBO super-lightweight champion, making the latest defence of his belt on that same Times Square card when he defeated Arnold Barboza by unanimous decision.
While he may claim that ‘King Ry’ has turned down a fight, it appears Lopez could be on the verge of a bout with Shakur Stevenson, after the pair revealed on social media that they have agreed to a clash in January.
