Former WBC interim lightweight champion Ryan Garcia just dropped a bombshell of an update on social media. The 25-year-old boxing sensation has revealed who he would want to fight next. Garcia is currently serving a one-year ban from boxing after testing positive for Ostarine before and during his fight against former undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney in April earlier this year. 

This ban imposed by the New York State Athletic Commission will see him potentially come back to the ring in April 2025, and according to Garcia, when he does come back, he wants it to be against WBO super lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez. Garcia wrote, “Ryan Garcia vs Teofimo Lopez. For my return in April.” 

However, it appears Garcia is just initiating the conversation about such a fight, as he continued, “Let’s make it happen teo,” hinting nothing has been confirmed yet. Lopez is coming off a unanimous decision win over Steve Claggett in June this year and had expressed his interest in facing Terence Crawford. However, the chances of that happening are slim to none, as Crawford is dead set on a Canelo Alvarez fight. 

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However, one can’t help but take Garcia’s update about his next fight with a pinch of salt, as this isn’t the first time Ryan Garcia has made bold announcements about his return to the ring. 

Ryan Garcia promised a December return

Ryan Garcia had promised a return to the ring this December, despite being suspended by the New York State Athletic Commission. The 24-1 fighter revealed the news to TMZ Sports in a 7th September report, saying, “You’re gonna see me fight in December. It’s gonna be a big fight. Stay tuned!” 

Despite his suspension and the fight result overturned, the boxer insisted the positive result came from a “tainted supplement,” but accepted the one-year suspension and forfeiture of his purse.

Though his suspension prevents him from fighting in New York until April 2025, Garcia hinted at alternatives for his December fight. He mentioned the possibility of fighting overseas or at an unregulated event. “I’m fighting in December,” Garcia reiterated, leaving fans to speculate whether he’ll make his long-awaited MMA debut or return to boxing in an international venue as part of an unsanctioned exhibition bout.

Despite being caught for PED use and getting banned by the WBC, Ryan Garcia does have a lot of options when it comes to potential opponents. This is because of the buzz around his name and the money bags that come alongside it. However, whether Teofimo Lopez will accept the fight offer is yet to be seen. Do you think this fight should happen?