Ryan Garcia calls out Teofimo Lopez on Kick streamer Neon’s livestream after rivals back away from potential welterweight clash | International Sports News
Ryan Garcia is once again making headlines in the boxing world. The Victorville native recently defeated Mario Barrios to capture the WBC welterweight title. After the victory, Garcia hoped to arrange a high-profile rematch with rival Devin Haney. Their rivalry has already attracted massive attention from fans. However, negotiations quickly stalled after Haney insisted that Garcia enroll in a full 365-day VADA drug-testing program before agreeing to the fight.The situation has left Garcia frustrated. Several other top welterweight names are either unavailable or unwilling to take the fight. With limited options in the division, the new champion has started publicly accusing some rivals of avoiding him. During a recent livestream, Garcia suggested another big name as a potential opponent. He called out former champion Teofimo Lopez, claiming that he might be the only realistic option left for a major fight in the division.
Ryan Garcia points to Teofimo Lopez as a possible next opponent
Ryan Garcia believes many of the welterweight division’s biggest names are avoiding a fight with him. Speaking during a livestream with Kick streamer Neon, Garcia said his options were becoming very limited. According to him, several potential opponents have stepped away from negotiations.Garcia explained that Devin Haney had declined a rematch and insisted on strict testing conditions. He also suggested that Shakur Stevenson showed hesitation by asking for a rehydration clause for a fight at 147 pounds. Because of these developments, Garcia said the only serious name remaining for a big fight could be Teofimo Lopez.The champion admitted that Lopez moving up to welterweight would not be easy. Still, Garcia claimed Lopez had shown interest in the idea of fighting at that weight. Lopez is coming off a tough loss to Stevenson in January. In that bout, Stevenson controlled the action for twelve rounds and took Lopez’s super lightweight title. After the defeat, Lopez spoke about making changes to his team and possibly moving up in weight to chase a title in a third division.Garcia’s search for an opponent does not end there. Rising welterweight contender Alexis Rocha recently praised Garcia’s performance against Barrios but made it clear he would welcome a fight. Rocha said Garcia looked sharp in that bout, although he believed Barrios appeared drained. At the same time, Rocha insisted he would be confident about his chances if the two ever shared the ring.Another possible challenger is Arnold Barboza Jr.. Barboza has publicly called for a fight with Garcia and currently sits inside the WBC’s top ten rankings. Since both fighters share the same promotional connections, arranging the bout could be relatively simple.
