And the Ryan Garcia story continues, at least for now. He stood tall when he faced knockout artist Oscar Duarte on December 2 at the Toyota Center in Houston. The Mexican-American fighter brought his top game, adding new weapons to his arsenal, and amassed a KO win. He has steered his career and is now eyeing a world title fight against WBA champion Rolando Romero. The boxing world needs more exciting matchups than ever before, and it will be the fight that will change the landscape of the 140-pound division for good or worse.

‘KingRy’ had sprinkled ‘Rolly’s name during the press conference before his showdown against Duarte and was the only name on his tongue after collecting an impressive win this past Saturday. Garcia had no love lost when he called out ‘Rolly’ and laid out his plans for becoming a world champion.

Ryan Garcia: Fulfilling his world-champion destiny

An elated Garcia declared, “I’m committed to becoming a world champion. If Rolly wants that, bring it on Rolly. I know you talk a lot, let’s get that going, Rolly. Where you at? You got beaten up by that old dude. We know what happened. Don’t be trying to fake it.”

The 25-year-old has all the markings to become a world champion, and his fight against Duarte hinted that he was ready to expand his skills. He even employed Floyd Mayweather‘s famed Philly Shell technique. While that didn’t sit well with fans and pundits, Garcia’s hunger to experiment with his game style is commendable.

The California native’s callout was hotly debated in the boxing corners, as Romero is labeled the weakest of the four light welterweight champions. In addition, the latter has received flak as a paper champion due to the controversial nature of his win against 40-year-old Ismael Barroso.

For some who believe the referee handed Romero the win after abruptly stopping the fight, Garcia might restore the WBA belt’s honor by clinching the strap. Meanwhile, others will continue to criticize Garcia for not hotly pursuing other champions, particularly IBF title holder Subriel Matias. However, at the end of the day, boxing is a business.

Prizefighting, business, and the PPV obsession

Garcia, at 24-1, knows how to sell a fight. His fight with Gervonta Davis sold 1.1 million PPVs. His long social media following of 11 million is a testament to his status as a star. On the other hand, Romero has cracked the art of promoting a fight.

Rolly Romero is a prodigal at mic skills and trash-talking and can seize headlines. He was even quick to respond to Garcia’s callout. “Rolly by murder in the first,” the WBA champion wrote on X. The verbal warfare and amusing press conferences will top off the buildup to their fight.

You throw in Garcia’s tremendous fan base, and the fight becomes an instant PPV blockbuster. The proposed fight is a lucrative option for all the parties involved. Garcia’s fan base stands a chance to see their hero become a world champion and Romero rack in heavy money bags.

Read More: “I’m Genuinely Concerned About Him”: Slamming Ryan Garcia’s Catchweight Call, Oscar de la Hoya Opens Up on Why He Is Worried About KingRy’s Mental Health

While Garcia’s intentions of picking Romero next are called into question, he doesn’t need to prove his mantel on his road to recovery. The super lightweight boxer is a prizefighter, and Romero sells seats. It’s business. As far as Garcia’s boxing legacy is concerned, having a world title around his waist will help him negotiate with the giants of super lightweights.

A setup for bigger fights—Devin Haney, Teofimo Lopez and Gervonta Davis

Garcia is eyeing big-money fights. He wants to collide with the likes of Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez. “Yeah, let’s keep building; then we can go after Devin Haney, all the other dudes, and Teofimo [Lopez],” Garcia declared. He has joined Derrick James to iron out his game shortcomings.

“I want to become a champion. That’s my goal,” Ryan announced vehemently during his post-fight interview. His fight with Romero fulfills his two-fold aspirations. Becoming a world champion and acting as a bridge to chase bigger fights. Garcia might weigh down his options next and zero in on the winner of Devin Haney vs. Regis Prograis. A win against Romero can even land him a date with Lopez, who had declined a fight against him earlier. A coveted rematch with Davis might also be on the cards then.

What do you make of this probable fight between Ryan Garcia and Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero? Let us know in the comments below.

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