Ryan Garcia has publicly challenged Terence Crawford for a fight, openly questioning the legendary boxer’s retirement in a heated rant. On Saturday in Las Vegas, Garcia secured a quick two-round stoppage over Conor Benn to defend his WBC welterweight title, with Crawford present at ringside.
Garcia’s victory occurred exactly one year after Crawford defeated Canelo Alvarez in the same city during Mexican Independence Weekend to become the undisputed super-middleweight champion. Just three months after that historic win, Crawford announced his retirement, finishing his career undefeated and as the only three-weight undisputed champion in boxing’s modern four-belt era.
Speaking to Uncrowned, Garcia expressed his desire to “avenge Canelo’s loss” by defeating Crawford. He stated, “I want to beat him, plain and simple. He knows I want that fight. I’m ready to test him and see where he stands, but will he come out of retirement? I don’t know.” Garcia also criticized Crawford, saying security didn’t even recognize him at the event and accused him of retiring “on paper, but not in his heart,” implying Crawford hasn’t fully stepped away from boxing.
Despite Garcia’s sharp words and claims that Crawford is “jealous,” Crawford’s achievements solidify his place among boxing’s all-time greats. In addition to his undisputed titles, the American captured championships in five weight classes before retiring at age 38.
Garcia, of Mexican-American heritage, was defending a world title for the first time when he handed Benn his first career stoppage loss. The 28-year-old won the WBC welterweight crown earlier this year by knocking down Mario Barrios and securing a points victory, bouncing back after a loss to Rolly Romero nine months prior.
His previous fight against Devin Haney saw Garcia knocking Haney down three times and winning on points, but the match was later changed to a no-contest after Garcia failed a drug test. Maintaining his innocence, Garcia served a one-year suspension before returning to face Romero, who lost his WBA title to Teofimo Lopez in August. After Saturday’s bout, Lopez attempted to challenge Garcia in the ring.
Conor Benn, 29, has also faced controversy, failing two drug tests in 2022 and being provisionally suspended in the UK until late 2024, though he continues to deny any wrongdoing.
Fan Take: This showdown call from Ryan Garcia breathes new life into discussions about future super-fights in boxing, spotlighting the hunger of younger fighters to face established legends. For fans, a potential Garcia vs. Crawford battle symbolizes a thrilling clash of generations that could redefine the welterweight landscape and generate massive global interest in the sport.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
