The last time Ryan Garcia stepped in the ring was against Devin Haney at Barclays Center in Brooklyn last April. He was dominant, dropping Haney three times and winning the fight by unanimous decision.
However, Garcia tested positive for the banned substance Ostarine, and the fight was turned into a no-contest; he was fined and suspended for a year.
Recently, the suspension was lifted, and Garcia now moves up to 147 and will face Rolly Romero in the main event on Friday night at Times Square in New York City.
The 26-year-old battled many things before his fight with Haney, including substance abuse, and he wants to inspire others.
“I’m here living life,” Garcia said on Thursday. “Everyone goes through their ups and downs. It’s about how you bounce back. I’m here to show people that you can bounce back from anything.”
Garcia and Romero sparred each other many years ago. Some say Romero dominated Garcia during that sparring session. Garcia believes none of that matters; he’s knocking Romero out.
“I’m here to do my job, knock Rolly out, and ride off into the sunset,” Garcia said. “I’m not worried about any sparring from eight years ago. I’m here to do a job, and that’s it. We’re not leaving it up to the judges; Rolly is getting put to sleep.”
According to the 29-year-old Romero, Garcia is getting knocked out.
“I’m gonna knock Ryan out and he can go have fun with Devin afterwards,” Romero said. “I actually think Devin deserves the rematch with Ryan.”
Look, there’s a reason why Romero was chosen for this fight. First, he helps sell fights, and next, Garcia should be able to beat him. However, Romero has a puncher’s chance. If Garcia wins, and Devin Haney defeats Jose Ramirez on Friday night, expect Garcia-Haney 2.
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