Ryan Garcia is currently serving a doping ban that ends in April and is slated for a ring return in May. He has now confirmed who will fill the opposite corner.
The controversial young star went 23 fights undefeated, ending 19 inside the distance, before coming up against Gervonta Davis in a main event that brought in one of the highest gates in Las Vegas history.
Though financially beneficial for Garcia, he was stopped in the seventh round via a body shot, tasting defeat for the first time. He has since said the catchweight and rehydration clause for the bout imposed by ‘Tank’s side was his downfall and subsequently moved up to the super-lightweight ranks.
One win over Oscar Duarte put him in against WBC Champion Devin Haney, continuing a rivalry that started as youngsters on the amateur scene. Garcia, after a hectic fight week and missing weight so ineligible to win the belt, upset the odds and dropped Haney three times for a majority decision win. It was later overturned to a no contest due to him testing positive for a banned substance in two seperate tests.
Though currently relegated to the sidelines, the 26-year-old has kept his voice in boxing and is creating hype for a comeback. It was recently reported that he has agreed the rematch with Devin Haney, though both will have an interim fight on the same card beforehand.
ESPN’s Salvador Rodriguez earlier revealed that Garcia’s opponent would be former Davis foe and super-lightweight world champion, Isaac Cruz. Fan favourite ‘Pitbull’ lost his belt to José Valenzuela last August and is set for a February 1 bounce back bout against Angel Fierro.
Garcia has now confirmed that Cruz will be the man he faces, reportedly on the same card as Haney fighting former unified champion at 140, Jose Ramirez.
Speaking on X, formerly Twitter, Garcia branded ‘Pitbull’ a tougher fight than Haney when announcing the news.
“I’m bringing [an] explosive fight in my fight comeback. Pitbull has always been considered a tough opponent. Tougher match up than Haney [to be honest].”
Cruz lost to ‘Tank’ Davis back in 2021 though remains one of only two men from 30 to take the big puncher the distance, something Garcia couldn’t. He has 18 knockouts from 26 wins and is a fan-favourite, particularly in Mexico, for his all action, Mike Tyson-esque style.
Garcia and Haney have both hinted that their rematch will take place at welterweight. If the Cruz bout is the same, many will feel the extra weight is too much for the 5′ 4″ brawler.
