By @James_theGrad – 29/10/2024 – Commentary
Promoter Oscar De La Hoya is considering Ryan Garcia to fight Teofimo Lopez when he returns in 2025. De La Hoya took to social media asking his followers what they thought about Ryan (24-1, 20 KOs) facing Teofimo when he returns next year.
Garcia put on weight
Oscar doesn’t say if he wants the Garcia vs. Teofimo fight to be at 140 or 147. Since Ryan missed weight for his last fight against former WBC light welterweight champion Devin Haney, he has to fight at 147 or a catchweight at 150. he returns to action. He’s put on too much weight since his last fight, and it’s clear he’s not running enough to keep the pounds off.
That could be a mistake if De La Hoya is serious about beating Garcia against Teofimo (21-1, 13 KOs) in his first fight back from a year-long suspension for a positive PED test. Teo is too good a fighter for Kingry to fight after more than a year on the shelf following his April 20 win over Devin Haney.
Ryan has gained weight around his midsection in the six months he’s been out of the ring, and fat can be seen around his face and torso. Losing all that weight might take something out of him.
We all saw how Ryan gassed in the championship rounds against Haney, and could only fight hard during spurts. Therefore, Haney was able to win rounds to make it a close fight in the end. Ryan’s stamina failed him. It will be worse for Ryan, 26, if he fades against Teofimo because he can punch, move and has a good chin.
Setup needed for Garcia
Ideally, Ryan should take one or two tune-ups before facing Teofimo in 2025. Going straight into that fight after a 12-18 month layoff would be foolish. He might, but not if he gassed after seven rounds, like in the Haney fight.
We all can’t wait @RyanGarcia return what do you think @TeofimoLopez ?
— Oscar De La Hoya (@OscarDeLaHoya) 29 October 2024
Last updated on 29/10/2024
