Manny Pacquiao, the revered boxing legend, once again finds himself at the center of discussions regarding another professional fight. Recent reports suggested that Ryan Garcia’s team is contemplating a matchup between the young prodigy and Pacquiao.
Garcia suffered a defeat in his previous bout when he fell victim to a devastating body shot delivered by the powerful Gervonta Davis on April 22.
This loss tarnished his previously unblemished record of 22-0, with 19 knockouts. The showdown between these rising stars had generated significant anticipation, fueled by their exchanges on social media.
Apart from possessing decent power but limited boxing skills, the 25-year-old Garcia boasts an enormous following on social media, with 10.4 million followers on Instagram.
Can Ryan Garcia vs Manny Pacquiao happen anytime soon?
As for the 44-year-old Pacquiao, he hasn’t competed professionally since his loss to Yordenis Ugas in 2021. His most recent bout was in an exhibition match against Korean YouTuber DK Yoo, whom he dominated in December of the previous year.
This potential Pacquiao-Garcia clash isn’t a novel concept, as talks of negotiations first surfaced two years ago. Ryan Garcia took to social media today to refute the claims of planning a fight against Manny Pacquiao.
Earlier, Oscar De La Hoya, Ryan’s promoter, had informed the media that the 44-year-old Pacquiao is a “viable option” for Garcia’s summer bout.
This isn’t happening!!
I said what I wanted…
It’s frustrating.. tired of this https://t.co/KxV042D7o8
— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) June 1, 2023
In response to De La Hoya’s statement, Ryan expressed on Twitter, “This isn’t happening. I said what I wanted.”
Who does Ryan Garcia want to fight?
Ryan’s list of potential opponents doesn’t include A-level fighters, but he himself isn’t considered one either.
It would be one thing if Garcia were declining a fight against Pacquiao to face Regis Prograis, Subriel Matias, or Josh Taylor, but he doesn’t seem to be considering any of them.
Ryan would likely struggle against all three due to their punching power, specifically targeting his vulnerable body. De La Hoya’s desire for a Pacquiao-Garcia fight is understandable since Rolly, Pitbull Cruz, and Teofimo aren’t pay-per-view attractions.
Although Rolly was part of a pay-per-view event last year against Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis. He served as the B-side opponent, selected by Mayweather Promotions due to his affiliation with their stable of fighters.
If DAZN or Showtime decides to put the fight on pay-per-view, a Ryan vs. Rolly matchup probably won’t generate significant interest. Ryan likely desires to face Rolly because he is considered the weakest among the champions at 140 pounds, offering him a genuine chance of victory.
Isaac Cruz doesn’t possess a significant following either, and there’s a high probability that he will defeat Garcia and jeopardize his career.
What are your thoughts regarding Garcia’s next bout? Let us know in the comment section below.
