We don’t know whether or not or to what extent Ryan Garcia is off his rocker.
He exhibited indicators of significant points within the lead-up to his struggle towards Devin Haney on Saturday, appearing erratically at each flip, however at the least a few of that seems to have been an act to promote the struggle and himself. And the very fact he missed weight by 3.2 kilos, which was unprofessional and value him $1.5 million, raised additional questions on his mindset.
What we DO know now with certainty is that Garcia can struggle.
Garcia gave some of the gorgeous performances lately at Barclays Heart in Brooklyn, overcoming no matter outside-the-ring issues he might need to place Haney down 3 times and win a majority determination in an unforgettable struggle.
When all the things is taken under consideration – Garcia’s habits, his lack of ability to make weight, his knockout loss to Gervonta Davis, Haney’s popularity – the occasions of Saturday had been thoughts boggling.
Do not forget that the gifted, disciplined Haney got here into the struggle on many pound-for-pound lists – No. 10 on Boxing Junkie’s – after a collection of victories over one elite opponent after one other the previous few years. Some thought he may rise to No. 1.
And the loopy child with a suspect talent set turned him into his private pinata with arguably essentially the most harmful punch in boxing pound-for-pound, his left hook, which Haney may neither keep away from nor take.
Ryan Garcia (white trunks) knocks down Devin Haney (grey trunks) throughout their WBC Tremendous Light-weight title bout at Barclays Heart on April 20, 2024 in New York Metropolis. (Photograph by Al Bello/Getty Photos)
Garcia won’t ever be confused with boxing wizards like Shakur Stevenson and Vasiliy Lomachenko, however he left little question on Saturday that his mixture of surprising pace and energy can compensate for any deficiencies, even towards a pound-for-pounder.
The three.2 additional kilos on the weigh-in mars the victory to some extent. We’ll at all times wonder if Garcia had an unfair benefit, each by way of the added weight and the very fact he didn’t need to punish himself to make 140. His misstep value him $1.5 million and probability to struggle for Haney’s title however he may’ve been greater and stronger than Haney, who made weight.
Nonetheless, we noticed what we noticed, Garcia’s potential to land his signature punch towards an opponent many believed was shifting within the course of superstardom, put him on the canvas the primary 3 times of his profession and declare a defining victory within the sports activities capital of america.
What now?
Garcia urged afterward that he would give Haney a rematch, which might be nicely acquired after the drama on Saturday. We’ll see, although. That efficiency and the social media star’s unquestioned reputation provides him limitless choices – and super leverage – despite the fact that he has by no means received a serious world title.
Each prime fighter at 140 and 147 (if he strikes up) goes to wish to tackle Garcia due to the cash he generates and perceived limitations. Teofimo Lopez? Shakur Stevenson? A rematch with Davis?
The Ryan Garcia present seems to be within the early phases of a protracted, profitable run.
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