King Ry’s Royal Rumble: Who’s Next for Garcia?

Boxing news surrounding Garcia’s next opponent should surface during the early summer months; however, let’s speculate the situation and evaluate some potential foes who could be next in line for “King Ry.”

Is Garcia vs Haney II Out of the Equation?

When Garcia dropped Haney three times en route to a majority decision win over Haney, a previously botched weight cut cost him $1.5 million and the opportunity to walk out of the Barclays Center as a WBC world champion.

Rematch, anyone?

During the post-fight interview, Garcia was asked about a rematch with Haney: “Yeah, let’s run it back,” he commented.

Haney also liked the idea: “Of course,” he said. “I thought it was a close fight; I would love a rematch.”

However, Haney has since backtracked on the idea of fighting Garcia again, and weight-cutting complications could also complicate a potential rematch anytime soon.

After Garcia tested positive for PEDs, Haney wants the result erased and isn’t interested in fighting a “cheat.” There has been endless conspiracy around the post-fight drug test results, though, and perhaps Haney is thankful to be able to deal the “cheat” card and avoid another encounter with the man who beat the brakes off him.

In addition, Garcia has also indirectly changed his stance on a Haney rematch. While he hasn’t directly disregarded a rematch, he’s stated that the 140-pound weight limit is too much.

“My body literally can’t go lower than 143,” Garcia said. “It’s impossible.”

So, as far as Garcia vsHaney II goes, no matter how much boxing purists would love to see them run it back, it won’t likely happen in 2024, or maybe ever!

Garcia vs ‘Tank’ Davis II: On “King Rys” Terms

Garcia’s sole professional loss came against the formidable knockout artist Gervonta “Tank” Davis in 2023. Therefore, if redemption is the leading factor driving Garcia’s next bout, look no further than the WBA lightweight champion.

Of course, ‘Tank’ needs to get through Frank Martin on June 15 first, but the main storyline around his knockout win over Garcia in Vegas was the hydration clause and weight cut.

Despite losing to Davis, Garcia’s current position in the sport will likely allow him to call off the shots. Forget 140 pounds, a weight cut for Garcia that was “debilitating,” in his words. However, a catchweight of 144lbs or above would suit “King Ry.”

“I was shaking in bed; it hurt every day to make that weight,” Garcia commented in relation to the weight cut versus “Tank.”

Garcia believes the weight cut prevented his true power. Even then, he managed to stop Davis in his tracks during the second round before an evident depletion in cardio played out. Therefore, fighting Davis with no excuses, at his very best, certainly presents an intriguing rematch.

Garcia vs ‘Suga’ Sean O’Malley

Crossover boxing bouts have often been subject to much criticism. Still, as two respective superstars of their sports – Boxing and MMA -, we know the world would be tuning in to see the UFC bantamweight champion, Sean O’Malley, take on Ryan Garcia.

While both O’Malley and Garcia have much more to achieve in MMA and boxing, respectively, pitting them in a boxing ring during their primes would deflect from the norm of crossover contests that often present combatants beyond their best years.

From a professional standpoint, it wouldn’t be much more than a money-maker. However, despite it being nothing more than boxing rumors right now, the pair have been teasing the idea for almost a year.

According to Garcia, ‘Suga’ and Golden Boy Promotions are in talks, so this fairytale crossover bout could become a reality sooner than we think.

More interestingly, Garcia believes he’ll beat O’Malley’s ass in MMA.

Will Garcia be the first boxer of his generation to step into the octagon?

Questions Of The Day