Oscar De La Hoya has once again made his relationship with Ryan Garcia public, this time with a message of concern.
The promoter and fighter have had a tense partnership since Garcia’s loss to Gervonta Davis earlier this year, with De La Hoya’s absence from the post-fight press conference a catalyst.
Since then, there has been plenty of back and forth online as well as subsequent legal proceedings from both sides.
Despite that, Garcia fights under De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions banner once more this weekend, facing the hard-hitting Oscar Duarte.
At the fight-week press conference, Garcia spent a large portion of his time at the podium targetting De La Hoya and his promotional business partner, Bernard Hopkins.
The two Hall of Fame fighters were called out for doubting him and even backing Duarte.
Hours later, De La Hoya took to social media to voice his ‘concern’ for his fighter’s ‘state of mind.’
“I have to say that I’m really concerned about Ryan Garcias state of mind. Considering his history of mental instability (which he’s documented himself) his current erratic behaviour shows he’s clearly not focused on Saturday’s fight. You won’t take my calls, Ryan I hope you’re OK.”
https://twitter.com/oscardelahoya/status/1730345784795652393?s=46&t=9Kso4u_MzO0_IWEV5FbmxA
Garcia has previously taken a break from the sport due to mental health struggles, however in today’s media rounds he said he was ‘laser-focused’ and that it was the best training camp he has had in his career so far.
The promoter’s reasoning behind the public plea remains unknown. It’s understood that the legal proceedings continue, with De La Hoya keen for the 25-year-old to see out his contract.
He faces Duarte this Saturday at the Toyota Centre, Houston.