Insulting Accusation Gets Ryan Garcia and Paddy Pimblett to Unite for a Clarification: “If Only You Knew…”

Ryan Garcia and Gervonta Davis, two of boxing’s most promising unbeaten superstars, are all set to clash in an epic showdown on Saturday, April 22, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Ahead of this long overdue battle, the 24-year-old ‘King’ made an appearance on the podcast of the UFC lightweight star Paddy Pimblett. During their conversation, they discussed their respective sports and the pros and cons of being famous.

However, what stood out the most was how both Garcia and Pimblett shared a common trait of dealing with harsh criticism from the public, especially on social media. They both agreed that it’s part and parcel of being in the limelight and that they cannot avoid it at this point. Both sportsmen have their own set of areas where they get criticized for on social media, but one common criticism they get is for how they look and what they do, which the trolls find absurd.

The looks don’t match, they say

During their chat on the ‘Chattin’ Pony Podcast’, Ryan Garcia shared with Paddy Pimblett his staggering career stats of 225 fights, which left the Liverpudlian fighter in awe. Despite this impressive record, the undefeated Mexican boxer revealed how he still receives criticism on social media for being just a pretty boy.

The 24-year-old boxer said, “I’ve been fighting for so long, that’s all I know how to do.” He added, “That’s why when I start getting this sh*t like, ‘you’re not a fighter’, you know. ‘You are just like a social media guy’, or whatever they were saying. It was just like if you only knew how much time I’ve fought.”

The Mexican hard-hitting sensation also shared how this was something he had to experience throughout his life. “Everywhere, high school, middle school. ‘You can’t fight’, ‘you don’t look like a fighter’…”. Garcia hence revealed that the sole motive for his fight against Gervonta Davis is to humble the world.

‘The Baddy’ could relate, stating that he often receives similar criticism for not looking like a fighter. “Like I do, just because of the way I look, [people say] ‘ Ah, he’s not a fighter’.”, said Pimblett.

He also stated, “A lot of people say it to me, you know. People come into my stuff out, ‘He’s not even a fighter’. ‘He makes the action’ and ‘He makes stuff on YouTube’, stuff like that. And I’m like, I wouldn’t have YouTube if I wouldn’t be a fighter. Like, that’s the only reason I have that. Because I am a fighter first and foremost.”

Read more: “I Don’t See Him Being a World Champion”: Jorge Masvidal Exposed Paddy Pimblett Days After His Second UFC Win

However, both athletes accepted that criticism comes with the territory and made peace with it. But even then, Pimblett shared how he was shattered when he received backlash from some ‘pros’ he respects.

The only people whose criticism affected Paddy Pimblett

Paddy Pimblett faced a harsh backlash after his controversial victory against Jared Gordon at UFC 282. The public outcry from fans, fighters, and media lasted for weeks. Despite this, Pimblett remained impervious to all criticism. However, the Liverpudlian revealed that it was the criticism from the people he holds in high regards, such as Joe Rogan and Nate Diaz, that affected him the most.

Pimblett said, “I don’t care what most armchairs say, to be honest, you know what I mean? That doesn’t bother me.”

“When pros like Nate Diaz and that say that you’re not winning, Joe Rogan says that you don’t win, that’s when you think, ‘F**king hell’.” Stated the 28-year-old. Despite knowing that criticism comes with the territory, it’s never easy to receive it from those you respect the most.

However, Paddy Pimblett still has a long way to go. Perhaps he can shut down the trolls and make people realize that he’s a great fighter, who thinks otherwise. There’s always a next time.

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