In recent comments, Garcia said Benn is the fight he wants. At the same time, he openly mentioned a backup plan.
“If Conor doesn’t want it, then we’ll take it back up with Rolly,” Ryan Garcia told Ring Magazine, referring to Rolando Romero.
That alone was revealing. Fighters who believe a deal is close usually keep their message narrow. Once alternative opponents are publicly named, that often means there are still hurdles over money, timing, broadcasters or promotional control.
Then came another wrinkle when Óscar De La Hoya publicly backed another fight.
“The one that interests me the most is the rematch with Devin Haney,” De La Hoya said, adding that it could be big enough for Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Now, Garcia’s public road includes three separate names: Benn, Romero and Devin Haney. This is rarely what a finished fight sounds like.
The Benn match still makes sense on paper. Benn has become one of the more marketable names from the UK and has now added curiosity after signing with Zuffa Boxing. Garcia remains one of boxing’s strongest social media attractions and continues to garner attention regardless of results.
Put those names together, and there is clear commercial value.
But making the fight and loving the fight are two different things. Garcia has ties to Golden Boy. Benn’s new alignment creates fresh business layers. Place also matters. An event in the United States, an event in the United Kingdom or Saudi support will each change the economy.
This helps explain why backup options are already being floated.
The Haney rematch also remains valuable because unfinished business continues to sell. Their first meeting created headlines, controversy and debate. Whether fans liked the event or not, they remember it. In modern boxing, memorable fights are often easier to sell than fresh fights.
Romero, meanwhile, offers the simplest practical route. He is known, available and already connected to Garcia’s recent story.
Ryan may truly prefer Benn, but preference doesn’t always dictate the schedule. Promoters, networks and timing usually do.
