Despite his lackluster return to the ring, Ryan Garcia may have another high-profile pairing ahead of him next if Oscar De La Hoya gets his wish.
Returning to action from his infamous suspension back in May, Ryan Garcia suffered a rather one-sided unanimous decision loss against Rolly Romero.
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And failing to set up a rematch with long-time rival Devin Haney — who narrowly defeated Jose Ramirez on the same card — Garcia was initially linked with an immediate rematch with Romero.
Ryan Garcia targeted for blockbuster boxing return
And with talks of a potential December rematch against Romero floated in recent weeks, Garcia may not get the chance to potentially avenge just his second career loss against the WBA welterweight champion.
As far as his iconic promoter, former world champion Oscar De La Hoya, is concerned, the chances of Garcia rematching Romero are slim in his mind — due to the forgettable nature of their first pairing.
“I don’t [like the idea of a Rolly Romero rematch],” De La Hoya told DAZN. “The first fight was a dull fight, and when you’re a promoter – and you’re trying to make rematches – it’s because the people want to see it.
“The first fight wasn’t that entertaining; the first fight wasn’t a big deal, so I believe that there’s other opponents out there for Ryan (Garcia).”
Namely, former kingpin De La Hoya has suggested Garcia could take on surging light welterweight gold holder Teofimo Lopez in a blockbuster showdown instead.
- READ MORE — 21-year-old knockout artist ‘respectfully’ open to fight with former training partner Teofimo Lopez
“There are big fights we can make with the likes of Teofimo (Lopez), and other fighters out there,” De La Hoya continued.
Ryan Garcia issued a warning to Oscar De La Hoya
And planning to return to the ring later this year, Garcia is hoping his long-time Golden Boy Promotions leader, De La Hoya, can iron out the details on his return to the squared circle sooner rather than later.
On social media this week, Garcia urged De La Hoya to only make contact with him if he has a lucrative deal in place for him to make his return to the ring.
“Don’t ever call me if you don’t have a $20 million fight,” Garcia told De La Hoya over the phone.
“Get off my f—— phone,” Garcia finished.