Fresh from his first career defeat, Ryan Garcia is eager to get back into the winning column and will be hoping a change in both trainer and weight-class will serve him well in his pursuit of a world title.
‘King Ryan’ lost his undefeated record back in April when he was stopped by Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis in the seventh-round of one of the most high-profile clashes in recent memory.
That heartbreak has prompted a switch in trainer. Garcia ditched Joe Goossen in favour of James, who also trains world champions, Jermell Charlo and Errol Spence Jr.
In addition, he will once again fight at super-lightweight after dropping down to a 136lb catchweight to face Davis – a number on the scales many feel is too tight for him.
He has already registered two wins at 140lbs before the ‘Tank’ fight, positioning him well in the rankings with each of the governing bodies despite that defeat in between.
In an interview captured by Fight Hub TV, the speedy Californian has revealed the world champion he has his sights set on.
“I’m happy to be a part of the team, I’m improving, getting better and I’m ready to get at it at 140lbs.
Bring on Rolly [Romero]! He’s part of the PBC, we are already ran it once with the PBC, I need to get my get-back, so I’m going to beat Rolly’s a**, we are going to have that at 140lbs.”
Rolando Romero won his WBA world title in controversial style, stopping Ismael Barroso in the ninth round of their contest in May with the referee waiving off the showdown whilst Barroso was ahead on the scorecards and, in the eyes of fans, in no real danger.
Despite Garcia’s insistence, Romero is currently set to enter purse bids to face the UK’s Ohara Davies – and the challenger has no inclination to step aside.