Oscar De La Hoya gave Floyd Mayweather Jr. a not-so-subtle warning to stay away from Ryan Garcia if he’s speaking to him as a promoter, not as a former fighter trying to help him improve his game, following his decision to make a U-turn on fighting Devin Haney next in favor of taking on WBA light welterweight champion Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero.
From Devin to Romero: A Strange U-Turn
On social media yesterday, De La Hoya wrote that Ryan wanted to fight WBC 140-lb champion Haney next “pre-run with Floyd,” but then after their run, “Ryan wants Rolly.” Mayweather promotes Rolly Romero, so obviously, that’s a red flag in De La Hoya’s mind.
Fans are suspicious about Ryan’s sudden U-turn from facing Haney to taking on Rolly, but it’s a move that does make sense.
Few people were giving Ryan (24-1, 20 KOs) any chance of defeating the unbeaten two-division world champion Haney (31-0, 15 KOs), and the match-up was seen as a cash-out for Garcia to get another big payday, possibly before retiring.
It was a lot smarter for Ryan Garcia to fight Rolly for these reasons:
1. Winnable fight for Ryan
2. Rolly’s excellent marketable skills: Haney appears ill at ease in front of the public at the press conference and has nothing to say.
3. Capturing the WBA title gives Ryan Garcia a valuable negotiating tool
4. Haney’s PPV numbers for the Prograis fight make him a poor candidate for Ryan to fight
5. Rolly easier fight for Ryan to negotiate than Haney
Mayweather’s Role: Friend or Foe?
“Pre-run with Floyd = Ryan wants Haney. Post-run with Floyd = Ryan wants Rolly,” said De La Hoya on social media. “Golden Boy has worked with Ryan Garcia since he turned pro, and together, they have made him the biggest draw in boxing. We will make his fight with Rolly into a huge event as we always do.”
“Floyd, if you want to give Ryan the secret to defense in the ring, that’s great. Other than that, if you are still a promoter like it says here, f— off.”
