Trainer Abel Sanchez believes that the ongoing drama surrounding 140-pound contender Ryan Garcia is causing issues for his promoter, Oscar De La Hoya. According to Sanchez, Garcia’s refusal to take certain fights and his preference for specific opponents is creating a problem for De La Hoya and Golden Boy.
Sanchez accused Garcia of being outspoken and not allowing De La Hoya to do his job as a promoter. Despite De La Hoya’s efforts to secure fights for Garcia, the boxer has declined matches against Devin Haney and Jose Ramirez, and is now aiming to fight Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz, who competes in a lower weight class at 135 pounds. This decision raises concerns about Garcia’s commitment to the 140-pound weight class and the implications of his actions on his promoter.
Sanchez expressed empathy for De La Hoya’s predicament, suggesting that the promoter may be hesitant to assert himself with Garcia due to the fear of losing him. It is widely speculated that Garcia may sign with PBC once his contract with Golden Boy concludes, potentially leading to a prolonged period of inactivity for the young boxer.
Additionally, Sanchez highlighted the impact of Garcia’s behavior on his reputation within the boxing community. Drawing parallels to David Benavidez’s experience, Sanchez noted that being overly vocal about desired opponents can alienate other fighters and make them less inclined to engage with the individual in question. Garcia’s aspirations for significant financial rewards in his fights also raised concerns about his realistic expectations and potential disillusionment if those objectives are not met.
Sanchez emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced approach to boxing business and suggested that Garcia’s outspokenness may hinder his future opportunities in the sport. He urged Garcia to focus on letting the promoters handle negotiations and refrain from publicly discussing financial matters, as this could create undue pressure on potential opponents and lead to heightened expectations regarding compensation.
From a sporting perspective, Sanchez acknowledged the talent within the 140-pound division, including fighters like Teofimo Lopez, Arnold Barboza, and Devin Haney. He underscored the significance of concentrating on the fights themselves and the competitive dynamics within the weight class, rather than fixating on external factors such as financial rewards or personal ambitions.
