Ryan Garcia and his shenanigans are proving to be a costly affair. The American boxer’s recent social media posts have evoked not only concerns about his focus and commitment to the fight but also raised doubts about the effects they would have on the upcoming event. It seems the event has already taken a hit. How? Oscar De La Hoya explained.
There are reports of sponsors pulling out of Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia. These have raised doubts about the future of the fight itself. While Garcia, 25, believes the turn of events doesn’t mar their fight, De La Hoya had a similar opinion but also laid down the root of the issue.
Oscar De La Hoya opens up on the loss of sponsors
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When asked to shed light on sponsors recently dropping from the event, the American promoter confirmed that Garcia’s Instagram stories prompted sponsors to tap out. He told Fight Hype, “There were little, people concerned just like everybody else in the world. When Ryan Garcia posted a couple of stories, or whatever it was, people were concerned.”
The feeling is the same in the boxing community. Each stakeholder is concerned with the 24-1 record holder’s mental health. While the boxing world is divided whether Garcia’s social media posts are a cry for help or a ploy to get into Haney’s head, the repercussions are trickling over and causing a larger effect on the event now.
However, De La Hoya believes the Victorville native is in peak shape and the fight will go through. Garcia himself believes so, as he broke his silence on the detrimental effect of sponsors’ withdrawing and the demoralizing effect of it on the teams.
Ryan Garcia believes it’s not just about money
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In a conversation with Fight Hype, the lightweight boxer explained how the sponsors moving away from the fight explains the volatile nature of the sports industry. He said, “It’s not just about the money. Sponsors dropped from the Devin Haney fight not only reduce the financial backing of the match but also the morale of the whole team. It’s especially detrimental when we’re just about to step foot into the ring.”
Despite the recent setback, Garcia stressed that he would fight in any circumstance and clarified the fight was still on. “Whatever the circumstances, we need to fight on. The sponsors dropped, but the fight hasn’t,” he added. It remains to be seen whether the promoters can add new sponsors, given that the hype surrounding Haney vs. Garcia is still soaring.
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What do you make of these comments by Oscar De La Hoya? Do you believe Ryan Garcia’s antics will prove a costly affair? Let us know in the comments below.