Ryan Garcia’s next bout: a potential 140-pound title fight?

Golden Boy Promotions founder, Oscar De La Hoya, has hinted at a possible title opportunity for Ryan Garcia in the 140-pound division. Garcia, a native of Victorville, Calif, last faced Gervonta Davis in a high-octane bout at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, in April. Davis handed Garcia a seventh-round knockout loss, marking Garcia's departure from the lightweight category.

Although a November date is set for Garcia’s next fight, De La Hoya has been tight-lipped about the opponent. However, he dropped hints of a potential clash for the WBA’s 140-pound title. This speculation has gained momentum, thanks to Golden Boy’s recent signing of Ohara Davies, the top contender for that very title. Davies might be eyeing the belt, which is currently with Rolando Romero. Romero’s recent injury claims, still awaiting verification, have put the title’s fate in limbo. De La Hoya has even expressed a willingness to pursue legal channels to expedite the matter with the WBA.

Discussing the situation, De La Hoya shared with FightHubTV, “Given the fact that Rolly (Romero) is in recess due to his alleged injury, there might be an opening for Ryan to contest for the world title.” Yet, Ryan, ranked sixth in the WBA’s 140-pound division, hasn't secured a title at 135 and a potential bout with Davies would be an interesting hierarchy-defying match-up.

However, the relationship between Garcia and De La Hoya has been strained. A lawsuit was filed by De La Hoya against Garcia this summer, accusing him of contract violations. This was further exacerbated by a public social media spat between the two, stemming from De La Hoya’s absence at the post-fight presser after Garcia's defeat to Davis. Adding another layer of intrigue, Garcia's recent association with Floyd Mayweather Jr., a longstanding adversary of De La Hoya, raised eyebrows. De La Hoya, however, played down the issue, emphasizing that Mayweather, given his boxing prowess, could offer invaluable advice to Garcia. He remarked, “If Ryan soaks in Mayweather's insights, it can only benefit him.”