WILL GARCIA'S NEXT FIGHT BE BAREKNUCKLE?
Ryan Garcia has retired from boxing but is open to fighting Sean O'Malley in MMA or bareknuckle. Garcia's retirement was announced shortly before he received a one-year ban for testing positive for Ostarine, which turned his win over Devin Haney into a no-contest. Despite denying intentional PED use, strict liability held him accountable.
Garcia remains active and interested in facing O'Malley. The two exchanged words before Garcia's fight with Haney, and O'Malley has expressed willingness to box for a big fight. Since Garcia is banned from boxing, he is open to crossing into MMA or bareknuckle fighting. "I'm retiring for a year. So they don't get the satisfaction of suspending me cause it's bull. I never took steroids in my life. They can all suck... I like 'Suga' Sean [O'Malley] cause he defended me. But if he really wants to run it in the UFC, I'll run it. Or bare knuckle... I'm ready to fight anyone at this point," Garcia said.
Bareknuckle fighting might be more advantageous for Garcia as it is still boxing but without gloves, making his punches more dangerous. However, it also increases the risk of injury. Given Garcia's absence from the ring for a year, he must stay in good condition. Garcia struggled to make weight for the Haney fight, coming in 3.2 pounds over and showing signs of fatigue during the match.
Outside distractions could also affect Garcia. He has a large social media following and other ventures, including a recent attempt at stand-up comedy. Garcia performed at Laugh Factory, introduced by comedian Chris D’Elia, addressing his PED suspension on stage. "Hi guys, I'm a boxer. But I'm currently banned from boxing for a year. I didn't cheat, I didn't do anything – just to be clear. I've been doing anything to try to save my life. I've only boxed since I was 7 years old. So they said that maybe I can be a stand-up comedian. Worst comes to worst, I just start shadow boxing," Garcia said. "I just woke up. And I was drunk already and I woke up even more drunk... I never took steroids – the truth is the truth and a lie is a lie."
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