Bernard Hopkins needs Ryan Garcia to get a “respectable Tuneup” when he returns to the ring in April from his yr suspension. The Golden Boy promoter Hopkins feels that Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs) wants a “high-end tuneup” to get the rust out earlier than he strikes on to face one of many high fighters.
Hopkins isn’t saying which division he needs Ryan to combat in when he returns, however given how he got here in obese for his final combat in opposition to Devin Haney, he ought to contemplate combating at a catchweight of 143.
With Ryan’s reputation, he can straddle each divisions completely, and he’ll nonetheless be capable of get all of the essential fights. Nobody goes to say no to a payday conflict in opposition to him if he requires a catchweight.
“I wish to see Ryan get a decent tuneup. He wants a high-end tuneup,” mentioned Bernard Hopkins to Battle Hub TV about Ryan Garcia’s return combat in April 2025. “Put him in with a decent however nonetheless harmful man, after which transfer to the second combat in opposition to anyone in that weight division. He can present the world that you could get knocked down however get again up. It is a nice time for him when April comes.”
If Ryan fights one of many gentle welterweight contenders for his tuneup, he can get somebody respectable. That division is much better than the 147-lb weight class, which has grow to be one of many weakest within the sport since Terence Crawford and Errol Spence moved up.
“I consider Ryan Garcia is prepared for the highest two or high 4 guys in that division,” mentioned Hopkins. “As a matter of reality, a division a notch down and a division he’s comfy with. Ryan Garcia is prepared for all of them. When Ryan is prepared mentally and bodily, he’s going to be higher than final yr.’
Hopkins doesn’t say which division he’s referring to, however he most likely means the 140-lb weight class. Ryan can positively compete in opposition to the highest fighters at 140. You’d must favor him over Jack Catterall, Liam Paro, and Richardson Hitchins. These aren’t big-money fights, although. Ryan could be serving to them out by combating them, as a result of none of these guys will ever grow to be a star within the U.S.
“That’s one of many high ones on the market after he will get a high-end tuneup the place he can get examined and he’ll win,” mentioned Hopkins about Teofimo Lopez being one of many choices for Ryan. “That may be a very good combat. I’d wish to see the press convention. You could possibly promote tickets to the press convention.”
Teofimo Lopez is anticipated to maneuver as much as 147 quickly, however he would keep at 140 if that’s the place Ryan needs to combat him. He needs to combat Ryan, Gervonta Davis, and Terence Crawford. These are the three on his wishlist.
“Ryan Garcia, in that weight division, the cash is the outdated days, and that is an occasion. That is an occasion that comes a couple of times a yr. I wish to see Ryan again in. He’s ready to get again in, chomping on the bit,” mentioned Hopkins.
