Oscar De La Hoya, the legendary promoter and head of Golden Boy Promotions, has confirmed that there are no plans for a rematch between Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney when Garcia makes his anticipated return to the ring following a year-long suspension. With excitement mounting around Ryan “Kingry” Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs), De La Hoya is eager to launch an intricate promotional campaign for Garcia’s next fight, scheduled for April. This decision not only shocks the boxing community but also ignites debates about the future landscape of the lightweight division.
De La Hoya emphasized the importance of strategically selecting Garcia’s opponent upon his return, stating, “We haven’t talked about anybody. Zero, whatsoever.” This cautious approach indicates that the promoter recognizes the potential risks associated with matching Garcia against formidable contenders like Teofimo Lopez or crafty fighters capable of outmaneuvering him. De La Hoya’s aim is to position Garcia for a successful comeback rather than rushing headfirst into a high-stakes fight that might derail his career momentum. The focus appears to be on carefully calibrating the opponent, ensuring that Garcia can showcase his skills and reclaim his standing in the sport.
For Devin Haney, this news brings additional pressure. As his father, Bill Haney, pushes for a rematch with Garcia, the lack of immediate prospects could leave him grappling with other formidable contenders in the lightweight division. Haney’s desires for a rematch coupled with the necessary VADA drug testing indicate his readiness to face Garcia again; however, without this bout materializing, he must refocus his career trajectory amid a thirsty landscape of challengers eager to make names for themselves. The postponement of the rematch creates an unpredictable environment where both fighters must make crucial decisions that could impact their standings.
De La Hoya’s enthusiasm for Garcia’s comeback is palpable, claiming that the build-up to Garcia’s next fight “will be huge.” The promoter believes that the anticipation for this fight—fueled by a year-long absence—will intensify the spotlight on Garcia’s return. With fans eagerly waiting to witness the evolution of Garcia’s fighting style and strategies, both the promotion and the sport at large stand to gain. Implementing a multifaceted promotional strategy could draw significant viewer engagement while elevating Garcia’s visibility and reputation after his return from suspension.
Ultimately, De La Hoya has not only shielded Garcia from the rematch with Haney but has also planted the seeds for a promising future. As he describes, “I have huge plans for Ryan that nobody can even think of,” these plans may involve innovative marketing strategies and high-profile matchups in the lightweight division. Boxing fans can expect a carefully curated comeback that positions Ryan Garcia not just to return but to do so as a stronger and more prominent figure in the sport. As April approaches, the boxing community will keep their eyes peeled for Garcia’s next move, eager to see how this dynamic unfolds.