Ryan Garcia recently underwent hand surgery following his defeat against Rolando 'Rolly' Romero. The boxer's immediate future in the ring remains uncertain as he recovers from both the physical and emotional toll of the loss.
Garcia went the full 12 rounds with Romero while dealing with an undisclosed injury. He chose not to mention this setback before or right after the fight. Days after his surgery, Garcia broke his silence on social media.
I had surgery on my hand... I never used it as an excuse
His lawyer, Guadalupe Valencia, later confirmed that the affected hand played a significant role in the bout against Romero. Valencia emphasized that Garcia and his team weren't looking to make excuses for the loss.
Despite the setback, Garcia aims to make a strong comeback in the fall. However, the specifics of his medical situation and recovery timeline haven't been shared publicly.
Oscar De La Hoya, Garcia's longtime promoter, voiced concerns about the young boxer's well-being. He suggested Garcia take an extended break from the sport.
I would like Ryan to take the whole year off
De La Hoya's recommendation stems from worries about Garcia's physical recovery and the emotional strain he's under. The promoter's own experiences with fame have made him cautious about the negative effects of stardom on young fighters.
De La Hoya also expressed unease about Garcia's social circle and training situation. He advised Garcia to steer clear of certain trainers, singling out Eddy Reynoso's camp.
I'd hate for him to be the seventh fighter to be busted
These comments hint at a possible rift between De La Hoya and Garcia's team.
The public's reaction to Garcia's surgery announcement has been mixed, with many questioning the timing of the injury disclosure. Some wonder if keeping quiet about the injury before the fight was a smart move or a strategic decision.
Throughout this challenging period, Garcia has shown resilience by completing the 12-round fight despite his injury. His decision not to use the injury as an excuse for his defeat demonstrates sportsmanship and discretion.
As Garcia focuses on his recovery, the boxing world watches closely, waiting to see how this setback will shape the young fighter's career moving forward.
