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Trainer Derrick James’ Facial Expression Says it All as Ryan Garcia’s Backstage Antics Take the Internet by Storm

Published 04/20/2024, 11:13 PM EDT

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At Barclays Centre in Brooklyn, as the undercard for the Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia card takes its course, the backstage witnessed some entertaining antics. As Garcia entered the venue for his anticipated clash, he channeled his signature chaotic energy in a bid to take some digs at his opponent. Witness to it all was his trainer, Derrick James. 

‘KingRy’ entered the venue dressed in a pair of trousers and a full-sleeved blue T-shirt. The tee, on its front, had, “Murder on my mind,” written on it. The back, further read, “RIP Devin Haney… 1999-2024.” 

Backstage, as he prepared his headspace for the lethal clash, he broke into a goofy dance in his locker room that was caught on camera while violin and cello players played classical music behind him. James, pictured in the back looked perplexed, confused, and a little shocked. Was it how he felt throughout the antics Garcia displayed in the days leading to the fight?

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Last year, after 25-year-old Garcia recorded his maiden loss against Gervonta Davis, he parted ways with his former trainer, Joe Goossen. Later, on Instagram, he announced that he was roping in Derrick James as his trainer, who has worked with fighters like Errol Spence Jr. and Jermell Charlo. With James in his corner, the fighter managed to redeem himself from the ‘Tank’ loss as he defeated Oscar Duarte in December last year.

With the behavior Ry’s shown pre-fight, this time around, fans think that his association with James is heading toward its knell. BOXING n BBQ, a boxing enthusiast’s page on X, shared screengrabs of James.

Garcia- James Duo: Last Fight Together?

In light of Garcia’s erratic behavior online, his team maintained a shush all over. However, one fan thought that James’ reaction in the video reflected the mood of his camp. Is he the mole?

In boxing, fighters change their trainers frequently. Garcia, himself did so last year. However, could this be the first time a trainer drops his starfighter? A fan considered the possibility of such an occurrence.

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Another user assumed that this would be the last time James would have to sit through such antics of the Californian. Why? Will this fight be Garcia’s last or will it be his last with James?

When he lost to Tank last year, Garcia alleged that he was left alone post-fight by his team and his promoter. That ensued into an entire fiasco. This time around, a fan thinks, history will repeat itself, but it will be attributed to KingRy.

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Sarcasm loaded, a user suggested that James will let go of Garcia as soon as his check for this fight gets cleared.

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Do you think Derrick James will drop Ryan Garcia? What are your thoughts on the fighter’s antics even on the night of the fight? Let us know in the comments section below.

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Written by:

Mohammed Shafiulla

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Mohammed Shafiulla is a Boxing writer at EssentiallySports. With a Master’s degree in Journalism from a reputed institute, Shafi has cemented his position as one of the astute observers of boxing at ES. One of the early supporters of Naoya Inoue, Shafi has covered his transition from a Japanese boxer with a niche fan following to a power-punching global boxing star.
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Edited by:

Gokul Pillai