In a world where boxing meets Broadway, Ryan Garcia made an entrance unlike any other. Picture this: “Viva La Vida” echoing a throne and flowers. All for a press conference. The spectacle set the stage for the much-anticipated bout between Garcia and Devin Haney.
Scheduled for April 20 at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, this fight isn’t just for the WBC super lightweight title. It’s a clash of stark contrasts, styles, and now, showmanship. But was this theatrical display a knockout punch or a misstep? As Garcia took his seat among the petals, one has to wonder: has boxing entered a new era? A WWE-esque era?
Garcia went with a ‘throne’
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Firstly, Ryan Garcia set the stage with a grandeur rarely seen in boxing press conferences. Stepping into the spotlight with Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida” as his anthem, he was not alone. Flanked by six women, each throwing flowers in his path, Garcia’s approach to the stage was nothing short of regal. Moreover, a throne awaited him, distinguishing his presence further from the conventional. Michael Benson captured this unique moment, quickly taking to Twitter to share the spectacle.
He succinctly captioned the post, highlighting the stark contrast between Garcia’s elaborate setup and Haney’s more traditional approach: “Ryan Garcia is flanked by six women and has brought a throne to sit on at the Devin Haney first press conference ahead of April 20th. Haney opting for a regular chair.” This act alone set social media ablaze, prompting an immediate flurry of reactions from boxing enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
Also Read: With a Muslim Ally, Ryan Garcia Strikes Back at Devin Haney’s Accusations of Disrespecting Islam
What did the fans think of this act?
Ryan Garcia copied Apollo Creed!
The fan reactions to Garcia’s flamboyant entrance were as varied as they were vocal, painting a vivid picture of the boxing community’s sentiment. Firstly, one fan humorously suggested that Garcia’s elaborate display was a preemptive distraction from an anticipated loss, highlighting the often-superstitious nature of boxing fandom.
Garcia knows he’s losing, he’s just trying to put on a show 😂
— 🦇 (@Shadowiscold) February 27, 2024
Following this, another observer criticized the spectacle as fitting more for a WWE event than a boxing press conference, indicating a preference for tradition over theatrics in the sport.
This isn’t WWE… this is just corny as hell
— Chris Cutaneo (@chriscutaneo1) February 27, 2024
Contrarily, a comment praised Garcia’s knack for showmanship, acknowledging the entertainment value he brings to boxing, even outside the ring.
Garcia is a true salesman fr 😂
— The King ⚛️🤴 (@MMAReportCard) February 27, 2024
Further commentary shifted towards comparing the fighters’ likability, with one fan expressing surprise at finding Haney more appealing than Garcia in light of the event.
Never thought I'd live to see the day where Haney is more likable than his opponent
— J. (@JohnWizz_) February 27, 2024
Lastly, a reference to a classic boxing film underscored the theatrical entrance’s potential foreshadowing, drawing a parallel between Garcia’s throne and a memorable movie moment that ended in defeat for the character with a similarly grand entrance.
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Apollo Creed came out with a throne vs Ivan Drago too.
— Raven Wolf (@TheHardYardsPod) February 27, 2024
This blend of humor, criticism, and cultural references illustrates the diverse ways fans engage with and interpret the spectacle of professional boxing.
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Read more: Ryan Garcia Gives Beautiful Glimpse of His Month Old Son Following Divorce
Will Garcia’s flamboyance in theatrics translate to dominance in the ring, or will it be Haney who has the last laugh? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain—the build-up to this fight has been anything but dull.