After a year-long layoff, ‘KingRy’ is poised to mark a stately return in the ‘City of Wolves.’ As far as his legacy goes, perhaps the drama that unfolded in 2024 will forever be etched in boxing fans’ memories. With the decisive victory over Devin Haney, Ryan Garcia became the darling of the boxing world. But the failure to clear drug tests became his undoing, and within days the ‘King’ was dethroned.

Next month, on April 20, Garcia’s suspension will finally be over. Expecting to put his career back on track, which includes the potential rematch with Haney, Garcia will fight on Riyadh Season’s May 2 event at the Times Square – ‘Fatal Fury: City of Wolves.’ Anticipating the comeback, the Californian kicked off his training some time ago. Reportedly, he joined former trainer Eddy Reynoso. Many hailed the move. Working with former stablemate Canelo would help him tackle the ring rust. But it appears the reunion apparently ran into a few hurdles. As a result, he appears to have rejoined former trainer Derrick James‘ stable.

Ryan Garcia: Over to Derrick!

“Major announcement,” said Ryan Garcia. He added further, “I’m working with Derrick James this camp, and it’s been going great. 🥊 Let’s go May 2nd, Fatal Fury.” The announcement follows reports that suggested Garcia joined hands with renowned strength and condition coach Justin Fortune.

It was in 2023, after he suffered the terrible loss to Gervonta Davis, that Ryan Garcia left Joe Goossen and joined Derrick James’s camp. The team-up proved beneficial. In his comeback fight, Garcia knocked out Oscar Duarte before he proceeded to drub Devin Haney at the Barclays Center.

However, his suspension and later absence from boxing basically made the partnership irrelevant. Later, as his return drew close, reports revealed Garcia and Teofimo Lopez enrolling at Reynoso’s renowned training school. Until a few years ago, Garcia was a part of the world-famous Canelo-Reynoso team. But differences erupted, and he eventually decided to leave.

In the latest development, Reynoso has to focus on ‘Canelo’s upcoming fight with William Scull. Hence, it seems he found it challenging to train Ryan Garcia.

Laying the groundwork

Considering that he is going to meet a heavy hitter in ‘Rolly’ Romero, with whom he has previously sparred, Garcia’s plan to train under Derrick James hints at his approach for the upcoming bout. Renowned for sticking to the fundamentals, many credit James for elevating Errol Spence Jr.‘s and Anthony Joshua‘s careers.

Perhaps what’s more pertinent is how the relationship will work when Garcia potentially proceeds for the much-anticipated face-off with Haney. Though his defeat was later switched to a ‘no-contest’ and his record remains intact, given the way the fight unfolded and later his own actions when he filed a case against Garcia caused much embarrassment to Haney.

So to avenge his humiliation, many expect him to come more focused. Therefore, for Ryan Garcia, ahead of the big fight that many are looking forward to, training under a coach who understands his strengths and weaknesses may prove a wise decision.

Do you think Ryan Garcia joining Derrick James’s stable again may prove favorable in the long run?