Ryan Garcia doesn’t want a rematch against Devin Haney – he wants a fight against Teofimo Lopez. “I’m his kryptonite,” says the self-confident trash talker.
Ryan Garcia (24-2, 20 knockouts) has no desire for a rematch against Devin Haney – his focus is clearly on a fight against Teofimo Lopez (22-1, 13 knockouts). In an interview with The Ring, the US star explained that he has been aiming for this fight for a long time and is convinced that he can clearly defeat Lopez: “I believe that I would knock him out – my punch selection and my output are perfect for it.”
The two former light-heavyweight champions already engaged in a heated public feud during a joint appearance in Times Square in New York in May – now it could actually come to a duel. While Devin Haney fights Brian Norman Jr. in November and a rematch between Garcia and Romero is not currently planned, Lopez is currently without an opponent.
Garcia, who underwent hand surgery after his surprising defeat to Rolando Romero, is planning his comeback for December – preferably against a big name. In addition to Lopez, Garcia also named boxing legend Manny Pacquiao as his preferred opponent. Teofimo Lopez, current WBO and ring champion in the semi-welterweight division, clearly defeated Arnold Barboza on points in February, but has not announced any fight plans since then.
Whether it comes to a showdown between Garcia and Lopez now depends on whether Lopez responds to the challenge. Garcia is certainly ready: “If he’s ready, let him say so. I’m open to any challenge.”
Text by Robin Josten