Bernard Hopkins Defends Ryan Garcia From “Unfocused” Accusations With Reality Check “It’s Part of the Game”

Has Ryan Garcia lost it? His shenanigans and antics ahead of the Devin Haney fight say so. His recent slippage of personal life on social media, especially his newfound love, and the visuals of him indulging in a puff of mar*juana have the fans scathing their heads. Is there a larger game at play? Bernard Hopkins offers answers to the fans’ questions.

‘KingRy’ and ‘The Dream’ are set to square off against each other on April 20, with the WBC super lightweight strap on the line. While the champion is polishing his skills and breaking a sweat, his challenger seems to be doing everything but preparing for the fight. Amid the backlash from the fans and pundits for his madness, Hopkins has found a method in his action.

Bernard Hopkins sides with Ryan Garcia

The former boxer turned promoter spoke with Fight Hub TV, and when asked about the lack of “seriousness” and an “unfocused” Garcia, he revealed he has seen even greats of boxing do it. The boxers play tricks to get into their opponent’s head. Garcia has taken a leaf out of their book.

“Listen, I’m not in Ryan’s head. Neither are you. But I know for a fact if you have been in boxing for long enough, I have seen greats with shenanigans. I have seen fighters literally eat a plate of food knowing that they ain’t going to make the weight the next day. But just to get in guy’s head,” Hopkins said.

Hopkins believes Garcia wants to show off his lack of concern about the fight and the easy handling of the job in his hands. It’s something that every boxer is guilty of. Even Hopkins threw down a flag in Puerto Rico, a calculated risk that eventually paid off.

Read More: Ryan Garcia Relieves Fans Concerned About His Dedication For Devin Haney Fight: “You Don’t Have A Six Pack If…”

“Why would I consciously post something that seems to be the opposite of what I got to represent and be prepared for the world to see, not my opponent? For opponent or for Devin Haney to think about. It is saying that this possibly could be in his hand. ‘This is going to be easy’. Okay, then that becomes a story, and he becomes a victim. So I don’t say play into none of that stuff. It’s part of the game,” Hopkins concluded.

Hopkins, 59, has mellowed down on his approach to Garcia, ever since the two buried their hatchet at the presser. Previously, Garcia’s legal troubles with Golden Boy Promotions had turned their relationship sour. The verbal spat between the two kept pouring on. But they have finally made peace.

The fight is a litmus test for the 25-year-old Garcia. He has already been on borrowed time since losing the fight to Gervonta Davis. While he has bounced back with a win against Oscar Duarte, he faces a stiff challenge in Haney. It remains to be seen who will come on top between Haney and Garcia.

What do you make of these comments by Bernard Hopkins about Ryan Garcia? Do you agree with his opinion? Let us know in the comments below.

Also Read: “Better Than Ryan”: Devin Haney Mocks Ryan Garcia’s Rope Skipping Skills In Recent Clip, Fans Go Wild