Ryan Garcia has appointed Derrick James as his trainer, joining the likes of Errol Spence Jr, Anthony Joshua and Jermell Charlo in the Texan’s gym.
Garcia was trained by Joe Goossen in his amateur days. When he turned pro, his father Henry occupied the corner. Although he’s remained a part of it throughout his campaign, Garcia made a more serious link up with Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez coach, Eddy Reynoso, in 2019.
He split from the Mexican, somewhat bitterly, and returned to Goossen in early 2022. The pair racked up two wins together – Emmanuel Tagoe and Javier Fortuna – before coming up against an elite test in Gervonta Davis.
It was one Garcia couldn’t pass, being dropped in the second round and then finished in the seventh via a crisp body shot. There were questions of quitting, injuries and desire in the aftermath.
As Garcia fielded them at the press conference, Goossen was notably absent. Coincidentally or otherwise, Garcia confirmed their split days later.
He has now announced that he will be guided by James going forward, in what he’s said will be a campaign one weight up at 140lbs.
James was named the Ring Magazine trainer of the year in 2017 and got the same honour from the WBA, WBC and Sports Illustrated in 2020.
In Spence and Charlo he has unified and undisputed champions, and added one of boxing’s biggest superstars in Joshua to his stable this year.
Although retiring from his own fighting career with a modest record, there’s no doubt the man knows boxing and how to get the best of it from others.
The style he instils can be described as aggressive and punishing when the time comes, with a strong focus on timing shots to their full potential over looking flashy.
Many will praise Garcia for the move, and he’s likely to get a couple of fights under his belt with James in the corner before targeting the top boys at super lightweight.