Ryan Garcia’s father has dismissed Teofimo Lopez’s claim that he is the king of the lightweight division.
Lopez announced himself to the world with a shock win against Vasiliy Lomachenko last year and now holds the IBF, WBA, WBC Franchise and WBO titles.
The 23-year-old American claims the undisputed title of the division, though Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has contested that belief due to Devin Haney’s position as WBC champion.
Henry Garcia, Ryan’s father, believes that Lomachenko was not a true champion and is a 130lb fighter rather than 135lb, with the Ukrainian now considering a return to featherweight. For now, Garcia Sr. believes that Lopez needs to beat Haney, WBA regular champion Gervonta 'Tank' Davis, and WBC interim belt-holder Garcia before he can credibly claim to be the ‘king’ - incidentally Ryan’s nickname.
Can’t wait for my next fight. Really is a dream. God is Good
— Ryan Garcia (@KingRyanG) January 18, 2021
Speaking to Pro Boxing Fans, Garcia said: “I give credit to everybody, I give credit to Teofimo, although he shouldn’t say that he’s the king of lightweights.
“I know he beat Lomachenko, but think about it, Lomachenko is actually a 130-pounder, he’s a junior lightweight, he’s not a true lightweight.
“A true lightweight rehydrates to 143, 144 easily, almost to welterweight, so there’s no way a junior lightweight can rehydrate to a junior welterweight or a welterweight actually. You can go to a junior welterweight but not welterweight, because you have to have the height in order to consider yourself like a king and you’ve got to beat everybody.
“So if Teofimo beats Haney, if he beats Tank and if he beats Ryan, then I’m going to say you are the king and same goes for Ryan, if Ryan beats Tank, Haney and Teofimo, then he’s the king and it goes on an on, but do not call yourself the king unless you’ve beaten everybody.”
Garcia last fought at the start of the year when he beat Luke Campbell despite being dropped for the first time in his career. He has since given a verbal agreement to face Davis when appearing on Mike Tyson’s boxing podcast.
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January 19, 2021 at 05:32PM
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Ryan Garcia's father rejects claim that Teofimo Lopez is 'king' of the division - DAZN News US
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