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Ryan Garcia has been invited to take part in a catchweight match that has been “nearly three years in the making”, despite reports he is preparing to face Mario Barrios in February.
The 27-year-old was last seen losing to Rolando Romerothe current WBA welterweight world champion, by unanimous decision in May.
At the time, Garcia had just returned from his year-long drug ban, which was given to him by the New York State Athletic Commission after he tested positive for ostarine.
The lackluster nature of his performance against Romero saw him fall in the second round and easily beaten down the stretch.
It was a far cry from his showing against Devin Haney, whom he beat three times and finally won in April 2024, before his majority decision victory was overturned to a no contest due to a positive drug test.
Despite being winless since 2023, when he stopped Oscar Duarte, Garcia is expected to get an immediate world title shot, against WBC welterweight champion Barrios, on the announced February 21 date.
Although that appears to be the plan, “King Ry” has now been called up for a fight against Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz, who boxed to a hard-fought draw with Lamont Roach Jr last month.
According to Cruz, who spoke with ESPN KOGarcia remained on his radar for a considerable amount of time.
“This fight has been in the making for almost three years now, and I think it would be more than exciting for all the fans.”
While Cruz typically campaigns at 140 pounds, he believes an agreed-upon catchweight between welterweight and welterweight could offer an ideal solution for both parties.
“These would be points to discuss internally. I think [the fight could happen] in an intermediate category, or a [catchweight].”
As things stand, Garcia still plans to face Barrios in February, pending an official announcement, but a clash with Cruz – dubbed a mini Mike Tyson for his relentless style and praised by the heavyweight legend himself – could be an option later this year.
