Teofimo Lopez has claimed that Ryan Garcia sold his soul.
The boxer previously took around two years off from the sport after his win over Luke Campbell. Before his current ban, Garcia was arrested for vandalism at the Beverly Hills’ Waldorf Astoria. Garcia also disclosed that his mother is suffering from breast cancer, showing that Ryan has plenty of issues to deal with outside the ring. Lopez did stir things with Garcia, stating that his mother’s cancer diagnosis came after Ryan sold ‘his soul’ in relation to his Gatorade deal. Garcia vowed to hurt Lopez if he saw him, causing Teo to respond.
Lopez’s Comments
“I’m talking to Ryan Garcia here. I know you want to fight me when you see me in person. That’s fine. I didn’t mean no bad towards your mother in that essence. If you really look into it, I did say I really do wish your mum nothing but health. Cancer is not something to play with. But people are going to say what they’re going to say and tell you specifically that part of it and not talk about the good that I meant. But to each his own. If you want to duke it out outside the ring, I’ve got to defend myself, brother. So you’ve got to be the stupid guy to throw first,” Lopez said
Garcia has not helped himself with his social media activity, which is a catch-22. Ryan’s social media following has helped him generate influence outside of boxing. He has garnered a bigger fanbase, with those who backed up words against child trafficking. Garcia has also launched various ventures outside of the sport to increase his income, including a foray into crypto.
Ryan has also utilized the Live Space Interactions on X to develop a closer connection with his fanbase. That is essential to keeping his brand relevant now that he won’t be in the ring until next year. Garcia’s fight with Gervonta Davis sold over 1.2 million PPVs, setting the highest gate of 2023. The fight with Haney sold over 500,000 PPV buys, showing Garcia is a PPV star. The crossover appeal is vital for that, partly due to his social media presence. Although his social media following has increased exponentially since the Haney fight, Lopez has urged Garcia to leave social media to focus on himself.
Lopez On Garcia
“I think he needs to get off social media – just get out. Just literally get out of the whole thing. I know he was trying to keep himself on a kind of celebratory tour after the biggest win of his career. But you have to eventually just exit out of it and get off the grid. He needs to let people wonder ‘where is Ryan Garcia?’ Instead of them seeing him everywhere. Then you get to find yourself.
“The people he has around him are young kids. They are really just absorbing all that light he has in him. They are taking it all for their own advantage. What happens is that people feel like they’re more superior and you get a lost case like you’re seeing with Ryan Garcia. It’s all about who you surround yourself with,” Lopez stated
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