Bernard Hopkins desires Ryan Garcia to get a “respectable Tuneup” when he returns to the ring in April from his 12 months 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 desires Ryan to struggle in when he returns, however given how he got here in obese for his final struggle towards Devin Haney, he ought to take into account combating at a catchweight of 143.
With Ryan’s recognition, he can straddle each divisions completely, and he’ll nonetheless be capable to get all of the necessary fights. Nobody goes to say no to a payday conflict towards him if he requires a catchweight.
“I wish to see Ryan get a decent tuneup. He wants a high-end tuneup,” stated Bernard Hopkins to Struggle Hub TV about Ryan Garcia’s return struggle in April 2025. “Put him in with a decent however nonetheless harmful man, after which transfer to the second struggle towards anyone in that weight division. He can present the world that you may 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 first rate. That division is much better than the 147-lb weight class, which has turn out to be one of many weakest within the sport since Terence Crawford and Errol Spence moved up.
“I imagine Ryan Garcia is prepared for the highest two or high 4 guys in that division,” stated Hopkins. “As a matter of reality, a division a notch down and a division he’s snug with. Ryan Garcia is prepared for all of them. When Ryan is prepared mentally and bodily, he’s going to be higher than final 12 months.’
Hopkins doesn’t say which division he’s referring to, however he in all probability means the 140-lb weight class. Ryan can positively compete towards 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 can be serving to them out by combating them, as a result of none of these guys will ever turn out 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,” stated Hopkins about Teofimo Lopez being one of many choices for Ryan. “That might be an excellent struggle. I’d wish to see the press convention. You might 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 desires to struggle him. He desires to struggle 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 few times a 12 months. I wish to see Ryan again in. He’s ready to get again in, chomping on the bit,” stated Hopkins.
