Jake Paul’s seek for a brand new opponent sparked fast hypothesis throughout boxing circles this week—however one rumored matchup is formally off the desk.
According to Ring Magazine, Oscar De La Hoya has made it clear that Ryan Garcia is not going to be stepping in to switch Gervonta “Tank” Davis, whose upcoming bout with Jake Paul was cancelled following Davis’ ongoing authorized points.
Paul’s camp reportedly reached out to Garcia’s crew to discover the potential of a struggle. Paul’s method to Garcia’s camp got here after Davis was hit with a civil lawsuit in Miami-Dade County, accusing him of battery, kidnapping, and different prices stemming from an alleged incident at a strip membership.
Paul and Most Valuable Promotions started in search of a high-profile substitute, and Garcia was among the many first names contacted.
However, in line with De La Hoya, the dialog went nowhere.
“Ryan Garcia and Jake Paul weren’t close at all,” De La Hoya mentioned, in line with the outlet. “They called us. I shut it down right away. It’s just not going to happen. It can’t happen without my blessing.”
De La Hoya defined that Garcia is locked right into a multi-fight settlement with Golden Boy Promotions, in addition to preexisting broadcast preparations. Paul’s crew works intently with Netflix, whereas Garcia’s fights run by DAZN. Beyond contracts, De La Hoya emphasised that the matchup didn’t align with the longer-term path deliberate for Garcia.
“What we want to build with Ryan is something special,” he mentioned. “We want to make sure he is on the right path to get to the world title and become a boxing superstar. And that wasn’t it.”
Garcia (24-2, 20 KOs) has not stepped into the ring since May, when he suffered a unanimous resolution loss to Rolando Romero.
Before that, his April 2024 majority resolution win over Devin Haney was overturned following a constructive check for Ostarine, leading to a one-year suspension. If Garcia returns subsequent in opposition to WBC welterweight titleholder Mario Barrios, as at present anticipated, it could mark his second struggle at welterweight.
De La Hoya confirmed that negotiations with Barrios are ongoing.
“Barrios is on prime of the listing. It’s no secret,” he mentioned. “I think Barrios will be the guy for Ryan. It’s a matter of negotiating and making the fight. We’re in talks, and it’s a huge possibility.”
A win over Barrios could be important for Garcia, particularly contemplating Barrios’ historical past within the division. De La Hoya famous that the matchup could be each difficult and defining.
“It will be a special fight. Imagine Ryan beating Barrios—something an older Manny Pacquiao couldn’t do,” he mentioned. “It would be a big accomplishment for Ryan to finally become a world champion after all these years.”
Meanwhile, Jake Paul continues the seek for a brand new opponent. Other names which have reportedly surfaced embrace Anthony Joshua and Terence Crawford, although no agreements have been introduced but.