During his most recent news conference, young boxing star Ryan Garcia voiced his opinions on Bernard Hopkins and Oscar De La Hoya.
Garcia experienced a tumultuous phase of his career following a disheartening defeat against Gervonta Davis earlier this year. This was the first loss of his professional boxing career.
Since then, the relationship between Ryan and his promoters De La Hoya and Hopkins of Golden Boy Promotions has intensified into a public spat.
In a recent press conference held on November 30, Garcia made an appearance before his forthcoming boxing match against Oscar Duarte on Saturday. Garcia seized the moment to address the continuing problem with his promoters, beginning with remarks directed at Hopkins.
He said: “I couple things I wanna touch. One thing that’s been on my heart is the statements that Bernard [Hopkins] made where he’ll decide if I’m gonna finish or if I should continue boxing after this fight. He don’t decide that, my coach does, my team does. Everybody that grinds with me day in and day out, that’s who decides, and ultimately, god decides, not him. Nobody was telling him when to stop boxing. He stopped boxing at what, 45? So, kudos to him, but he don’t determine that.”
Ryan Garcia went on to discuss Bernard Hopkins’ last boxing match. It ended in a knockout defeat against Joe Smith Jr. in December 2016.
He said: “He also said that he calls out all the bullsh*t, the lies. Last time I checked, he said he’d never lost to a white boy then Joe Smith Jr. knocked him out of the ring. Last time I checked, Joe Smith Jr. was white. So, you know, they be lying.”
Ryan Garcia has already voiced his disagreements with Oscar De La Hoya in public on many occasions. Having said that, he then directed his unfavorable remarks at the boxing legend.
He continued: “Another thing I wanted to touch on is Oscar [De La Hoya] saying that we misinterpreted what they say. It’s plain English. I didn’t hear anybody speaking any language I don’t know. So, you know, it’s very clear to me that they are backing this guy [Oscar Duarte] to beat me just like they thought [Romero] Duno was going to beat me.”
Yet amidst the situation, Garcia reaffirmed his unwavering focus on his upcoming bout against Oscar Duarte. With unshakeable dedication, Garcia conveyed his intent to showcase his prowess in the ring.
He said: “At the end of the day, I come to show what I bring, and I’m laser-focused. That’s where this confidence comes from. Thank god for everything, and all praise to the most high, Jesus Christ.”
Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions filed a lawsuit earlier this year to make sure Ryan Garcia complies with his end of the contractual obligations. Garcia made an effort to get the case dismissed, but it’s not clear whether he would be successful.
Meanwhile, Ryan Garcia intends to defeat Oscar Duarte (26-1-1) in order to improve his professional boxing record to 24-1. The event will take place on Saturday inside the Toyota Arena in Houston, Texas.