Ryan Garcia Targets Terence Crawford Upon Return

Garcia’s Ambitious Comeback Plans

As Ryan Garcia prepares to return from his year-long suspension, he has set his sights firmly on a showdown with the reigning pound-for-pound king, Terence Crawford. Garcia, who has been vocal and provocative with his remarks since February, has publicly challenged Crawford, creating a buzz in the boxing community.

Speaking candidly in an interview with Say Cheese on YouTube, Garcia did not hold back: “Terence Crawford really hasn’t beat anybody other than Errol Spence, but he went through a car crash. Can you name one guy he beat other than Spence that’s well known? Crawford isn’t like that. He’s an overhyped bum.”

Garcia’s disdain was palpable as he addressed Crawford directly, stating, “You fing suck, bro. You are wasting everybody’s money. You are not entertaining. You’re boring as f! Come see me in the ring if you think I’m talking s***!”

Suspension and Training Regimen

Currently serving a twelve-month ban for testing positive for ostarine in his April bout against Devin Haney, Garcia has faced considerable scrutiny. Initially claiming the positive test was due to contamination, Garcia eventually accepted his suspension and will not return to the ring until April 2025.

During his suspension, Garcia has resumed training with coach Derrick James, aiming to stay sharp and prepared for his comeback. However, stepping straight into a high-profile bout with Crawford without a warm-up fight poses a significant risk.

Garcia’s comments suggest he is ready to move up from his previous weight class of 140 pounds. Crawford, who recently fought and won at 147 pounds against Israil Madrimov, would present a considerable challenge. If Garcia is to face Crawford, he will need to bulk up significantly, adding fourteen pounds to his frame.

Crawford’s Current Status and P4P Rankings

As it stands, Crawford is likely to remain inactive until the spring. His recent habit of fighting once a year could delay any potential matchup with Garcia. Despite this, Crawford’s recent performances have solidified his top spot in the pound-for-pound rankings, a position he reclaimed last month.

Garcia’s callout comes as he strives to re-enter the spotlight after his Haney victory initially propelled him into the top ten rankings for the first time. However, his suspension led to his removal from the WBN Top 50, hindering his momentum.

Potential Showdown and Future Implications

The proposed bout between Garcia and Crawford is more than just a headline-grabbing spectacle; it would be a crucial match that could define the trajectory of both fighters’ careers. For Garcia, it represents a chance to prove himself against one of the sport’s elite. For Crawford, it could be an opportunity to demonstrate his dominance and validate his pound-for-pound status.

While Garcia’s bold statements and ambitious plans have certainly stirred the pot, it remains to be seen how his preparation and the weight difference will affect his performance against Crawford. The boxing world will be watching closely as these two fighters potentially prepare to face off in what could be a defining moment for both of their careers.