Ryan Garcia appears to confirm fight with ‘Mini Mike Tyson’ as he aims dig at Devin Haney

Ryan Garcia has appeared to confirm his next fight will be against Isaac Cruz, a fighter who has been praised heavily by Mike Tyson. Garcia has held extensive talks over a two-fight deal with Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh, which will see him first return in May before a planned rematch with Devin Haney. Garcia has seemingly confirmed he will face Cruz in his May comebackGetty ‘King Ry’ is suspended from boxing until April after failing a drugs test last year following his original meeting with Haney, but is keen to return at the highest level possible. Reports indicated that both Haney and Garcia will return on the same card in May, a huge US bill which could set up their bitter sequel. It was unknown at the time who Garcia would be fighting, but a report then stated he would be fighting 5ft 4ins super-lightweight Isaac Cruz. The Mexican has received huge plaudits in his career including from heavyweight legend Tyson, who suggested his ferocious punching style was most similar to his own, a mini version of himself. And now when responding to the rumours, Garcia has appeared to suggest it will be Cruz next. He tweeted: “I’m bringing a explosive fight in my fight comeback. “Pitbull [Cruz] has always been considered a tough opponent. Tougher match up then Haney to be honest.” Cruz is indeed a tough opponent holding a record of 26-3-1 having shared the ring with some formidable names. At the peak of his career, the rugged operator won the WBA world title in March 2024 after beating Rolly Romero. He unfortunately lost the belt five months later in a tough defeat to Jose Valenzuela, but will make a comeback next month in a clash with Angel Fierro. Cruz promises to be a formidable opponent for GarciaEsther Lin/PBC Cruz’s most notable clash came against Garcia’s previous conqueror Gervonta Davis, against whom he survived and was beaten by unanimous decision in December 2021. Providing he beats Fierro, he promises to be a real test for the superstar, who will be keen to brush off any cobwebs in the ring in May. Cruz will be hugely motivated to pick up victory, given he has the opportunity to derail a second instalment of Haney vs Garcia. Garcia dropped Haney three times en route to what seemed to be a stunning victory last year, but the result was overturned following the announcement of his ban. It promises to be a fiery affair with their rivalry having gone up several notches in the wake of the post-fight controversy. Stakes could be about to get even higher for the winner of the planned October rematch, with Alalshikh planning a bigger prize. Garcia must beat Cruz to set up his second fight with HaneyGetty The winner of that fight could now be matched with the winner of a planned meeting between Teofimo Lopez and Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis. Alalshikh tweeted: “It is easy. The fight in May [vs Cruz] then the big rematch in October [Haney vs Garcia]. And on the same card we will try Teofimo Lopez against Boots [Ennis], then the winner against the winner and loser against loser in February. We need to discuss with our partners Top Rank, Matchroom Golden Boy and PBC [Premier Boxing Champions].” It promises to be a hugely exciting time with some of the biggest stars in the divisions clashing in the wake of Alalshikh’s plan. Follow talkBOXING on social media talkBOXING is now on Twitter and Facebook. Follow us on social media for big breaking boxing news, exclusive interviews and the best bits from our talkBOXING YouTube show. Like our Facebook page HERE Follow us on Twitter HERE Sign up for our WhatsApp channel HERE

Jan 18, 2025 - 14:04
Ryan Garcia appears to confirm fight with ‘Mini Mike Tyson’ as he aims dig at Devin Haney

Ryan Garcia has appeared to confirm his next fight will be against Isaac Cruz, a fighter who has been praised heavily by Mike Tyson.

Garcia has held extensive talks over a two-fight deal with Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh, which will see him first return in May before a planned rematch with Devin Haney.

Garcia has seemingly confirmed he will face Cruz in his May comeback
Getty

‘King Ry’ is suspended from boxing until April after failing a drugs test last year following his original meeting with Haney, but is keen to return at the highest level possible.

Reports indicated that both Haney and Garcia will return on the same card in May, a huge US bill which could set up their bitter sequel.

It was unknown at the time who Garcia would be fighting, but a report then stated he would be fighting 5ft 4ins super-lightweight Isaac Cruz.

The Mexican has received huge plaudits in his career including from heavyweight legend Tyson, who suggested his ferocious punching style was most similar to his own, a mini version of himself.

And now when responding to the rumours, Garcia has appeared to suggest it will be Cruz next.

He tweeted: “I’m bringing a explosive fight in my fight comeback.

“Pitbull [Cruz] has always been considered a tough opponent. Tougher match up then Haney to be honest.”

Cruz is indeed a tough opponent holding a record of 26-3-1 having shared the ring with some formidable names.

At the peak of his career, the rugged operator won the WBA world title in March 2024 after beating Rolly Romero.

He unfortunately lost the belt five months later in a tough defeat to Jose Valenzuela, but will make a comeback next month in a clash with Angel Fierro.

Cruz promises to be a formidable opponent for Garcia
Esther Lin/PBC

Cruz’s most notable clash came against Garcia’s previous conqueror Gervonta Davis, against whom he survived and was beaten by unanimous decision in December 2021.

Providing he beats Fierro, he promises to be a real test for the superstar, who will be keen to brush off any cobwebs in the ring in May.

Cruz will be hugely motivated to pick up victory, given he has the opportunity to derail a second instalment of Haney vs Garcia.

Garcia dropped Haney three times en route to what seemed to be a stunning victory last year, but the result was overturned following the announcement of his ban.

It promises to be a fiery affair with their rivalry having gone up several notches in the wake of the post-fight controversy.

Stakes could be about to get even higher for the winner of the planned October rematch, with Alalshikh planning a bigger prize.

Garcia must beat Cruz to set up his second fight with Haney
Getty

The winner of that fight could now be matched with the winner of a planned meeting between Teofimo Lopez and Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis.

Alalshikh tweeted: “It is easy.

The fight in May [vs Cruz] then the big rematch in October [Haney vs Garcia].

And on the same card we will try Teofimo Lopez against Boots [Ennis], then the winner against the winner and loser against loser in February.

We need to discuss with our partners Top Rank, Matchroom Golden Boy and PBC [Premier Boxing Champions].”

It promises to be a hugely exciting time with some of the biggest stars in the divisions clashing in the wake of Alalshikh’s plan.

Follow talkBOXING on social media

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