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That Oscar De La Hoya and Ryan Garcia share an uneasy history is fairly well known. Those who have followed the 27-year-old fighter’s career over the past five years would have noticed a journey filled with highs and lows. What makes Garcia’s case unique is the remarkable on-and-off nature of his relationship with his promoter. Just when everything seems smoothed over, things turn rough, often with a public social media back-and-forth. In an exclusive interview with Ariel Helwani, Oscar De La Hoya finally opened up and poured out his heart. Ryan Garcia was under a year-long suspension following last year’s Devin Haney fight. But his comeback on May 2 in Fatal Fury crashed any hopes of putting his career back on track. As De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions moved on to other engagements, the boxing world watched Garcia launch yet another round of verbal attacks against his promoter. ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad Oscar De La Hoya advises Garcia to mature inside and outside the ring The former world champion and Olympic gold medalist had one big wish for Ryan Garcia: “Grow up. Shake it off. Grow up.” According to De La Hoya, “Ryan needs to wake up.” The comments came when Helwani mentioned the June incident in which Garcia went on a tirade against him and Golden Boy. De La Hoya explained. The diatribe followed soon after he congratulated two of his top-ranked contenders, Floyd Schofield and Raul Curiel, for their wins on the Jake Paul–Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. card. He understood Ryan Garcia’s mental health issues. However, De La Hoya felt there’s a limit to what can be excused. “I understand the whole mental health,” he said, adding, “It’s serious, you know, it’s a serious thing. It really is. I know people who really are mentally ill. But there’s a line. There’s a fine line where you’re just being a f**king a**h*le.” ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad As far as business is concerned, nothing has changed. De La Hoya still promotes Garcia and continues to wish him the best. Curious, Helwani asked when the two last spoke. De La Hoya admitted that they haven’t spoken directly in quite some time. Most of their communication happens through a manager. The boxing legend recalled how he took charge of Garcia’s career when the young fighter joined Golden Boy at just 16. Read Top Stories First From EssentiallySports Click here and check box next to EssentiallySports ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad De La Hoya vs. Garcia: Clash behind the curtains “I’m not your enemy. I’m your promoter,” he insisted, wondering, “I’ve given you your career, given you your opponents that you’re going to knock out. You’re going to look great. You’re going to become a star. And you throw it all away. And you blame me? I have no clue.” The rift between Ryan Garcia and Oscar De La Hoya began soon after Garcia’s loss to Gervonta Davis two years ago. The growing tension eventually led the promoter to file a lawsuit against the fighter. Matters escalated further when Garcia publicly embarrassed both De La Hoya and partner Bernard Hopkins in the lead-up to the Oscar Duarte fight. By the time the Devin Haney fight approached, however, things seemed to improve, and both sides appeared to be reconciling. But the incidents in June this year told a different story. From saying “F**k Goldenboy Promotions” to calling Oscar De La Hoya a ‘b**ch,’ Ryan Garcia didn’t hold back, claiming he’d been restraining himself for years. Finally having had enough, De La Hoya called him out, suggesting Garcia was likely having ‘another episode.’ Fans should stay tuned. A riposte from Ryan Garcia is almost certainly on the way. Do you think it’s high time De La Hoya and Garcia buried their differences and moved on?
