The "Dangerous" Claim
Promoter Oscar De La Hoya has made bold statements about Ryan Garcia’s upcoming return to the ring on May 2nd, part of Turki Al-Sheikh’s highly anticipated boxing card in New York. De La Hoya insists that Garcia will be a “very dangerous” fighter in his comeback. However, fans are skeptical of this claim, given Garcia’s 13-month layoff and his recent positive test for a banned performance-enhancing drug (PED) in his last fight against Devin Haney on April 20th. The general sentiment is that Garcia’s absence from the ring and the controversy surrounding his PED use have raised doubts about his current form and readiness.
Garcia’s Recent Activities
Adding to the skeptics’ concerns, a recent photo of Garcia with his new trainer, Eddy Reynoso, has sparked further debate. The image shows Garcia looking less than fit, leading some fans to speculate that he has been indulging in the nightlife and enjoying the spoils of his previous fight. This perception has only heightened the criticism, as many believe that a fighter needs to maintain peak physical condition and focus during a layoff to ensure a successful return.
The Tune-Up Opponent
Despite the fan skepticism, Garcia’s team has reportedly lined up Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero, a former WBA light welterweight champion, as his opponent for the May 2nd fight. Fans, however, are quick to point out that Romero is not exactly a world-class opponent and was knocked out last year by Isaac Cruz. This choice of opponent is seen by many as a way to ensure that Garcia looks strong and dominant, thereby reinforcing De La Hoya’s "dangerous" claim. However, critics argue that a true test of Garcia’s capabilities should involve a more formidable opponent, such as Jose ‘Rayo’ Valenzuela or Richardson Hitchins.
De La Hoya’s Confidence
Oscar De La Hoya, speaking to DAZN Boxing, is undeterred by the doubts surrounding Garcia’s return. “His next fight is going to be somewhere around May. We’re looking at doing big things with him,” De La Hoya said, emphasizing the promotional significance of the event. “Turki Al-Sheikh wants to put together the biggest event possible for boxing. We are obviously right there with him. We can’t wait to see what Turki Al-Sheikh decides to do with Ryan Garcia and us as promoters. Ryan Garcia is ready to come back. He’s hungry, he cannot wait.”
Garcia’s Journey and Challenges
Ryan Garcia, known for his dynamic and engaging style in the ring, has faced significant challenges in recent months. The 13-month suspension and the PED controversy have undoubtedly taken a toll on his professional and personal life. Garcia, with a record of 24-1 and 20 knockouts, has always been a fan favorite, but he now faces the uphill task of regaining the trust and excitement of his supporters. The choice of Rolando Romero as his opponent might be seen as a calculated move to boost confidence, but the stakes are high as Garcia must prove that he can still compete at the highest level.
Looking Ahead
As the May 2nd fight approaches, all eyes will be on Ryan Garcia. Whether he can live up to De La Hoya’s "very, very, very dangerous" description remains to be seen. The upcoming match against Rolando Romero will be a crucial indicator of Garcia’s current form and his ability to bounce back from his suspension. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely, eager to see if Garcia can silence his detractors and reignite his career with a strong performance. The road ahead is uncertain, but one thing is clear: Garcia has a lot to prove and a lot to gain in this comeback.
