Oscar De La Hoya blasts “lies” fed to Ryan Garcia and Canelo Alvarez

The career of Ryan Garcia (24-2, 20 KOs) remains up in the air, following the end of his suspension for failing pre-fight and post-fight VADA drug tests, with Ostarine found in his urine. He returned to the ring on May 2 as the overwhelming favourite against Rolly Romero, only to lose by unanimous decision. 

His relationship with his promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, has often been fractured, and the Golden Boy Chairman and CEO has spoken to Fight Hub TV, explaining his difficult relationship with Garcia and previously Canelo Alvarez.

Ryan Garcia’s future – question marks remain

Garcia delivered a career-best performance on April 20, knocking Devin Haney down three times, winning by majority decision. The news of the test failures sent shockwaves through the boxing world, leading to the fight being declared a no-contest and Garcia accepting a $10,000 fine, forfeiting his fight purse, and accepting a ban, which expired before his fight with Romero.

Following his loss to Romero and the news of his hand surgery, as revealed by Chris Mannix, more question marks remain over the future of Ryan Garcia.

Ryan Garcia and his strained relationship with promoter Oscar De La Hoya

Discussing his relationship with Garcia, and where he feels it deteriorated, De La Hoya said:

“I think Ryan has been fed a lot of nonsense, a lot of lies, from who I don’t know. But, I believe that what I’ve done for Ryan’s career, I mean, there’s no argument that I’ve done my very best.

“It’s mind-boggling to me how many whispers are out there, in fighters’ ears. And then the fighters are convinced that I’m against them. It’s mind-boggling, but if you think about it, it’s only been Ryan and Canelo. And I don’t know why only those two guys, maybe because they’re the most popular ones out there.

“I don’t know if they’re jealous. I don’t know if they’re envious of me. I don’t know, but all I’ve done for them is good things for their career.”

Whatever comes next for Ryan Garcia, it’s clear it won’t be mundane. If the 27-year-old can stay focussed and repair his relationship with De La Hoya, can he make a run for a world title shot?