Ryan Garcia's boxing career hangs in the balance. The 27-year-old fighter, once hailed as one of the sport's brightest stars, now faces an uncertain future following a string of setbacks.
A year ago, Garcia stood tall among boxing's elite. His charisma, explosive style, and supreme confidence earned him a spot as one of the 'four horsemen' of modern boxing. But recent events have shaken his standing in the sport.
Garcia's troubles began with a controversial win over Devin Haney, a victory later overturned. His return to the ring against Rolando Romero turned disastrous when a wrist injury worsened mid-fight. Garcia managed to land just 48 power punches across 12 rounds, a performance that led to surgery and a long road to recovery.
Medical experts suggest Garcia needs a full year to be fight-ready again. His promoter, boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya, echoes this advice.
"I'd like for Ryan to take the whole year off, getting his mind straight, getting it comfortable where it feels good," De La Hoya said.
Garcia, however, seems eager to jump back into action. Just a day after his surgery, he posted "I'll be back" on Instagram. Within 24 hours, he shared a video of himself doing a biking workout with the caption "Let's get back to it."
The young boxer continues to focus on non-impact training and roadwork, aiming to maintain his fitness and stamina. His goal? To prepare for a quick return once doctors give him the green light.
But this rushed approach worries many in the boxing world. De La Hoya cautions against hasty decisions, particularly the idea of a rematch with Haney.
"That's not the direction we want to go," De La Hoya stated firmly.
Garcia's previous comeback attempts lacked structure and stability. A repeat of this approach could lead to physical harm, mental setbacks, and a loss of confidence.
The future remains unwritten for Ryan Garcia, but hope isn't lost. This time away from the ring could serve as a chance to reset, refocus, and reignite his career. The boxing world waits to see if Garcia can turn this challenging chapter into his greatest comeback story yet.
