Oscar De La Hoya, the veteran promoter and founder of Golden Boy Promotions, has made it clear that there are no immediate plans for a rematch between Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney when Garcia returns to the ring in April following a one-year suspension. With Ryan Garcia boasting an impressive record of 24 wins and just 1 loss, paired with 20 knockouts, the excitement surrounding his comeback is palpable. De La Hoya expressed enthusiasm about Garcia’s preparations in the gym, hinting at a carefully orchestrated comeback that aims to reinvigorate interest in the fighter’s career.
The prospect of a rematch with Devin Haney appears to be diminishing, much to the chagrin of Haney’s camp, particularly his father, Bill Haney. Despite Bill’s eagerness for a rematch and the push for VADA drug testing, De La Hoya has confirmed a clear disinterest in that matchup, possibly leading to tension between the two camps. This leaves Devin Haney in a challenging position as he contemplates contenders eager to prove themselves against him. Without facing Garcia again, Haney must be prepared to navigate a roster of dangerous competitors who are keen on capitalizing on the opportunity to defeat him.
De La Hoya and his team at Golden Boy face an essential task in selecting an opponent for Garcia that strikes the right balance between competitive challenge and marketability. A swift move into a high-stakes fight with a fighter like Teofimo Lopez could be risky, given Lopez’s explosive style and boxing acumen. De La Hoya emphasizes the importance of a prolonged and well-managed build-up to ensure that Garcia’s return captures public interest and maximizes the promotional potential. A hasty match could hinder Garcia’s momentum rather than build it up.
De La Hoya is optimistic about Garcia’s public appeal, arguing that the buildup to Garcia’s return must be as monumental as the eventual fight itself. He suggests there are “huge plans” in the works for the return event that could elevate both Garcia’s career and the promotional value of Golden Boy’s events. This commitment to an elaborate buildup aims to create a narrative that keeps fans engaged and hungry for more.
There is, however, no hiding Garcia’s own ambition; he is clearly craving an opportunity to prove himself against top-tier opponents. His eagerness to face the best in the division only adds another layer of complexity to the situation, creating both hope and challenge for his return. With all the pieces set to fall into place, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching how De La Hoya balances Garcia’s ambition with a strategic approach to his comeback.
While the names and matchups may shift, one truth remains: Ryan Garcia’s return is one of the most anticipated events in boxing, and Oscar De La Hoya appears determined to ensure it is a significant one. The next few months will not only define Garcia’s future but also the direction of Golden Boy Promotions as they navigate this pivotal juncture.