Oscar De La Hoya has laid out how he would like Ryan Garcia to navigate his return back up in weight to super lightweight, and it appears to be at odds with how ‘King Ryan’ himself wants to tackle the division.
Garcia announced he would be moving back to 140 following his stoppage defeat to Gervonta Davis back in April, and has been linked to world title fights with the likes of Teofimo Lopez, Regis Prograis and Rolando Romero.
However, in a recent interview with FightHype, De La Hoya admitted he would prefer the 24 year old had a tune up fight before taking on one of the division’s big names.
“If he’s moving up to 140 next, then he should have a tune up fight at 140. He should get his feet wet at 140, that’s what you do in boxing.”
“Any expert will tell you, you don’t just move up and fight the very best. You have to get your feet wet, I hate calling them tune ups, but someone who will challenge you – then you go after all the marbles.”
Given De La Hoya is, in his own words, no longer in direct contact with Garcia due to an ongoing contractual dispute between them, disagreements should come as no surprise.
And that appears to be the case here, judging by a list of potential opponents Garcia outlined on Twitter for his next outing.
“3 people I want to fight next:”
“Rollie *they just ordered for him to fight someone else. Isaac Cruz *if he’s willing to go to 140. Teofimo López.”
Garcia is now in training under the guidance of new coach, Derrick James, and is expected to announce his next move in the not so distant future. De La Hoya is confident that it will be under his promotional banner.