Ryan Garcia has had a rollercoaster two years in his professional career.
The 26-year-old bounced back from the first defeat of his career in April 2023 to Gervonta Davis by knocking out Oscar Duarte in December of the same year. ‘King Ry’ then turned his attention to WBC super lightweight champion, putting on the best performance of his career to outpoint Devin Haney last April.
The win against Haney was quickly overshadowed after Garcia tested positive on two separate occasions for Ostarine, a banned substance in the eyes of VADA. A few months later, the 26-year-old from California was served with a 1-year suspension and a fine of over $1 million.
With his suspension due to expire in April, ‘King Ry’ is now weighing up the options for his return to the sport, which could come in the first half of 2025. Garcia is targeting a move up to welterweight, where he has set his sights on a potential clash with IBF champion Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis.
Speaking on social media, the former WBC ‘interim’ lightweight champion did not hold back, claiming he would knock out ‘Boots’ if they were to fight.
“Boots will get knocked out by me. Eddie Hearn gotta stop calling his fighters legends prematurely.”
Ennis has emerged as a dominant force in the 147lbs division, as he targets a unification fight this year. It was reported last week that the 27-year-old and his team are discussing a showdown with WBA welterweight champion Eimantas Stanionis, which could come next for the undefeated star.
