Redefining Boxing’s Landscape: Garcia vs Haney Eclipses Previous Showdowns
Oscar De La Hoya has confidently declared that Ryan Garcia’s upcoming clash with Devin Haney is set to eclipse the monumental Garcia-Davis fight. The eagerly awaited Haney-Garcia bout, scheduled for April 20 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, has already garnered immense attention, with their first press conference in New York and a subsequent meeting in Los Angeles fueling the excitement.
Unprecedented Commercial Success: Setting New Records
In a year that saw Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jr. finally face off, it was the Garcia-Davis fight that stole the commercial limelight. Amassing over 1.2 million pay-per-view buys and generating in excess of $100 million, the event not only boasted a $22.8 million gate but also ranked as the fifth largest in Las Vegas history. Despite Haney, 25, not yet reaching the level of crossover appeal necessary to be the new face of boxing, De La Hoya remains optimistic about surpassing previous successes.
De La Hoya’s Vision: Beyond the Ring
De La Hoya’s enthusiasm was palpable as he recounted the New York press conference, stating, “New York was crazy. I’ve never seen anything like it…Way bigger than Tank and Ryan. It was crazy.” His confidence in the event’s magnitude is evident, reflecting his vast experience in orchestrating high-profile boxing events.
Amidst this, De La Hoya’s relationship with Garcia, following his loss to Davis and victory over Oscar Duarte Jurado, has seen its share of strains. However, recent interactions suggest a mending bond. De La Hoya shared insights from a dinner conversation with Garcia, emphasizing his role as a mentor and confidant, “I told him, ‘If you want any advice…I have the answers. I’m here for you guys.’ And he appreciated that.”
Garcia’s Unique Position in Boxing
De La Hoya also highlighted Garcia’s unique position in the boxing world, not just as a talented fighter, but also as a marketable personality. He expressed, “There’s something different that me and Ryan have experienced…Ryan’s in that elite level, where he’s a good-looking fighter. Not too many of us are around, believe me. Maybe just two – me and Ryan.” This added pressure and public scrutiny, according to De La Hoya, only fuels their ambition and drive to succeed.
Anticipating a Battle for the Ages
In his final comments, De La Hoya offered a glimpse into Garcia’s fighting style and what fans can expect from the upcoming bout, “He’s a pressure fighter…He’s a guy who understands, who knows how to put on a show. If Haney brings it and Ryan brings it, we’re going to have a war. We’re going to have an exciting fight.”
In conclusion, the Garcia-Haney fight is not just another boxing match. It’s a testament to the evolving landscape of the sport, where charisma, skill, and strategic promotion intertwine to create events that transcend the confines of the ring. As the countdown to April 20th continues, anticipation builds for what could be one of the most electrifying encounters in recent boxing history.
