After a turbulent year and with an eye on the 2026 World Cup opportunity against Manuel Barrios, Ryan Garcia has decided to change coach. His new coach in the corner is also his first: father Henry.
Whether Eddy Reynoso, Joe Goossen or Derrick James – many renowned coaches have more or less failed Ryan Garcia (24-2, 20 knockouts) in recent years. In order to get back on track, “King Ry” is returning to his roots and handing the coaching reins back to his father Henry. Garcia Senior took over coaching Ryan at the age of nine and stood in his corner in his first 13 professional fights.
Disastrous year 2025
But Ryan, adored by his more than twelve million followers and hyped by the media, failed again and again in life and in his boxing career. Most recently, his year 2025 was disastrous. In May, the 27-year-old Californian lost to Rolando “Rolly” Romero. And in July, Garcia was banned from the WBC for repeated racist remarks (the ban was lifted in November).
The talented welterweight has now reached a crucial point in his career and must find out whether he can fulfill the high expectations that were placed on him years ago. Garcia’s goal: to win the WBC world championship against title holder Mario Barrios in early 2026. His father Henry is set to become a decisive factor in this.
“I really appreciate all the trainers for their dedication, commitment and sacrifice,” Garcia Senior told Boxingscene.com. “Let me put it this way: nobody knows my son better than I do, and that’s the bottom line.”
Reunion with the “ex”
Henry Garcia will lead Ryan into the ring on February 21 in Las Vegas, where he will fight for the WBC crown from world champion Mario Barrios (29-2-2, 18 knockouts). The latter, ironically, iscoached by Garcia’s former coach Joe Goossen.
“I respect Joe. He’s a great coach,” Henry Garcia said. “But you can’t teach someone to take a punch like Ryan’s.” King Ry is feared above all for his devastating left hook. After the young star failed to capitalize on his World Cup chances against Devin Haney (2024) and Romero, he now wants to do better against Barrios.
“Have been through everything”
There were many reasons for the failure, as Ryan’s father explains. “We’ve been through all this. I know his abilities. I know how Ryan felt. When he went into the fight against Rolly, there was no way he was ready for it. His hand was broken. The cortisone shots weren’t working anymore, he was in pain. He was banned for a year and suffered from depression. He wasn’t ready, he wasn’t focused. And in boxing you have to be 100 percent fit. That’s the only way you can get into the ring.”
Henry Garcia is convinced of his son’s fitness, form and abilities. “This is the Ryan that people want to see. It’s perfect. He would beat Rolly now, but we have our eyes on Barrios.” And announces: “In this fight, people will see the best Ryan.”
Text: Frank Schwantes