Ryan Garcia‘s recent comments plunged the boxing world into controversy after his social media shenanigans took an ugly turn. Since then, a lot has transpired. While the WBC banned him, his parents offered an apology. But it seems the storm has yet to pass, as many pros have now lashed out at the American fighter’s actions.
Garcia, 25, in a now-deleted post, made discriminatory remarks against Afro-American and Muslim communities, drawing strong reactions from fans and pros alike. His social media theatrics have long drawn flak. And he recognized it. So, after ‘KingRy’ expressed regret for his actions, he wanted to ensure he wouldn’t do it again.
Garcia turned to his X handle and specified that he had decided to opt for rehab, as his actions on social media suggested his crippling obsession with alcohol, even close to the Devin Haney fight.
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Fans might still remember how Garcia chugged down a beer bottle during one of the pressers and one of his social media posts during the fight week. On top of this, Garcia had missed weight for that fight. In what could be seen as some sort of attempt at rectifying his mistakes, the Victorville native wrote, “I am going to rehab btw.”
Despite Garcia saying all this, the boxing community condemned his actions while showcasing their concern for him.
Pros speak out against ‘KingRy’
Oscar De La Hoya firmly specified that there was no place for hate or intolerance at Golden Boy Promotions. While the American promoter lauded Garcia for extending an apology, it was a long road ahead for him to earn back the respect and trust. He also reiterated his commitment to helping the lightweight boxer make amends.
”There is no room for hate or intolerance at my company. Period. I condemn Ryan’s words in the strongest terms possible. I see that he has apologized, and that is a start — but it is only a start to earn back the trust and respect of those of us who have and continue to support…
— Oscar De La Hoya (@OscarDeLaHoya) July 5, 2024
Vergil Ortiz Jr., who went against Garcia during their amateur days and has spent some considerable time with him, pointed out that there was a drastic shift in Garcia’s attitude. But he remained concerned as his friend, as he also condemned his actions. He declared, “I’m not making ANY excuses for him or his actions. I’m legitimately worried about him, as a friend would be worried about his friend.”
I’ve known Ryan since the amateurs, when we fought only TWICE btw lol. He was never like this. I’m not making ANY excuses for him or his actions. I’m legitimately worried about him, as a friend would be worried about his friend.
— Vergil Ortiz Jr. (@VergilOrtiz) July 5, 2024
Nico Ali Walsh also drew attention to the vulnerable state Garcia was in and pointed out that someone should look out for him. He said, “Ryan Garcia is gonna get himself hurt or worse… someone should be looking out.”
Ryan Garcia is gonna get himself hurt or worse… someone should be looking out
— Nico Ali Walsh (@nicoaliwalsh) July 4, 2024
Ishe Smith was critical of his tone and referenced Garcia’s recent arrest at a five-star hotel, where the authorities even had to put him in handcuffs over charges of felony. The former IBF champion blasted him for lack of accountability and noted, “When he was arrested in Cali nothing, when he popped dirty nothing, he’s blamed everyone but himself for all his actions. No accountability from him…”
When he was arrested in Cali nothing, when he popped dirty nothing, he’s blamed everyone but himself for all his actions. No accountability from him, y’all believe he is a Christian I told him he’s more like Judas ya’ll again capped for him. At what point enough is enough.
— Ishé Oluwa Kamau Ali Smith (@IsheSugarShay) July 4, 2024
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Lastly, Arnold Barboza Jr. refused to buy the excuse of degrading mental health for Garcia’s discriminatory comments. He announced, “Mental health is no excuse nor a pass for discrimination SMH.”
Mental health is no excuse nor a pass for discrimination SMH
— Arnold Barboza jr (@jrBarbozaArnold) July 5, 2024
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The boxing community has vented out its frustration and anger at the former WBC interim champion and it’s up to him to finally turn around things for good. While Garcia has shown commitment to working on his mental health and alcohol issues, only time will tell how well he fares.
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