Ryan Garcia has said that he is set to face Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz in his return to boxing this May.
The 26-year-old from California is currently serving a 1-year suspension from boxing, after he tested positive for the banned substance Ostarine in the lead-up to his bout against Devin Haney last year.
‘King Ry’ is free to resume his boxing career in just over two months, with reports over the last few days revealing ‘Pitbull’ Cruz will be his next opponent as he looks to bounce back from a frustrating 12-months.
In light of the news that Garcia has an opponent locked in, WBO super lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez has had his say on the bout, which is expected to take place at 147lbs.
Speaking to ESNEWS, Lopez backed ‘King Ry’ to come out on top against ‘Pitbull’, claiming the size and reach advantage of Garcia could be a deciding factor.
“I think at 147 I’d give it to Ryan [Garcia]. I think Ryan’s gonna sweep him off and keep his distance, and when he’s jumping in probably get him with a check hook.”
If ‘King Ry’ can come through Cruz unscathed, it is expected that he will face Haney in a rematch later this year. ‘The Dream’ is also due to have an interim fight in April or May, which will determine whether or not a second meeting with his long-term rival will take place.
Both Garcia and Haney have revealed their interest in facing each other for the second time, with the boxing world also keen on seeing them settle their bitter feud once and for all.
