Ryan Garcia is set to encounter the most challenging spell of his career, as he attempts to fight a defamation lawsuit while planning his comeback.
The 25-year-old was hit with a year-long ban following his controversial showdown against Devin Haney, who he floored three times before claiming an upset victory on points.
But the result was then overturned to a no-contest when it emerged that Ryan Garcia had tested positive for Ostarine – a performance-enhancing substance.
And now, while the social media star is kept out of the ring, Haney has chosen to file a lawsuit against him, alleging battery, fraud and unjust enrichment.
Oscar De La Hoya hits back at Devin Haney’s ‘frivolous’ lawsuit against Ryan Garcia
Hall of Famer Oscar De La Hoya took the time to address the news surrounding Garcia during a press conference for Gilberto Ramirez vs Chris Billam-Smith, a cruiserweight unification clash taking place on November 16.
The Golden Boy promoter insisted that he is already planning his fighter’s return, largely dismissing the looming defamation case against him.
And yet, it seems as though De la Hoya could be involved in the legal dispute too, as Bill Haney, father of Devin, claimed that he will sue Golden Boy for the $1 million they received following Garcia’s failed drugs test.
But still, the legendary boxer has remained seemingly undeterred by the situation.
“I just had [Garcia] in my office 30 minutes ago, making plans for him coming back,” De la Hoya told Fight Hub TV. “Obviously we have to deal with this frivolous lawsuit that they slapped on us, but that’s all it is – it’s noise.
“How can you sue somebody that beat the crap out of you? It just doesn’t make sense. What I would do is call that fighter out, get back in the ring and beat his ass.
“I believe that Devin Haney is a shot fighter.”
Ryan Garcia to fight Manny Pacquiao in December
During a social media live stream, Garcia revealed that he is in serious talks to face eight-weight world champion Manny Pacquiao in an exhibition match.
The former world title challenger was in attendance for Pacquiao’s exhibition in Tokyo, where he collided with kickboxing world champion Rukiya Anpo in July.
While the bout ended in a draw, Garcia immediately entered the ring to call out ‘Pacman’, looking to secure a non-professional contest before his boxing ban is lifted.
So now, it would seem that the polarizing star could face the 45-year-old in the land of the rising sun.