In a recent twist, Ryan Garcia has decided to revisit his earlier plans and shift his focus in the world of boxing. The anticipated matchup with Devin Haney is now off the table, and Garcia is setting his sights once again on Rolando Romero, the WBA 140-pound titleholder.
Taking to his verified X account, Garcia shared, “I’ve notified my team I’m going a different route. My intent now is to fight Rolando Romero.”
This decision comes just days after the boxing community was buzzing with expectations of a clash between Haney and Garcia this spring. Oscar De La Hoya, the legendary six-division champion and head of Golden Boy Promotions, expressed optimism about the potential matchup, hoping to stage the fight as early as March.
Ryan Garcia Plots Next Fight
Garcia, with a record of 24-1 and 20 knockouts, made a strong comeback from a knockout defeat to Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis last April. His recent victory over Oscar Duarte in December added to his momentum, leading him to call out Las Vegas’ Romero (15-1, 13KOs) immediately after the fight.
However, Garcia felt that Romero had missed the opportunity for their matchup by waiting too long, prompting him to shift his focus to a potential fight with Haney. Despite this change in direction, the landscape of a potential bout with Romero could undergo transformations, pending the outcome of the Ohara Davies-Ismael Barroso interim WBA title fight.
Romero, currently obligated to face the winner of the Davies-Barroso bout to retain his status as the WBA full titlist, had initially been set to fight Davies but cited an injury. An exemption was granted with the condition that he faces the winner by no later than March.
Regardless of the outcome, Garcia seems resolute in his decision at this moment. “I pray my team backs me on this decision,” Garcia emphasized, urging promoter Oscar De La Hoya to make the fight happen. In Garcia’s words, “THATS THE MOVE. BIGGER FIGHT, BIGGER BUSINESS. #GarciaRomero.”
The boxing world now eagerly awaits the unfolding chapters in Garcia’s journey as he sets his sights on a new path in the ring.
