Ryan Garcia feels Floyd Mayweather Jr. has had a negative impact on boxing, arguing that he mastered the art of “knowing when to fight someone and when not to.”
Garcia accused Mayweather of avoiding his rivals at their peak following his time in the super featherweight division. While Mayweather generated massive paydays and big fights, Garcia believes this has influenced other fighters to prioritize their undefeated records over facing tough competition. Garcia has shown he can take risks, facing Gervonta Davis in 2023 at a 136-pound catchweight as he suffered a loss. Ryan also faced Devin Haney, only to see his win get overturned into a no-contest after failing VADA tests for Ostarine. Garcia did not see Mayweather’s career in that way.
“He’s the best at picking when to fight. He never fought anyone really in his prime, prime. So yes, he changed the game in the worst possible way. He is the best at making big fights happen. But why? Because he was timing each one. Me, Tank, Canelo, Crawford… we’re trying to reverse the impact of Mayweather,” Garcia said
The Reality
Garcia’s criticism holds weight when you look at the timing of some of Mayweather’s biggest fights. The most prominent example is the showdown with Manny Pacquiao. This fight was demanded for years, but it only happened in 2015 when Pacquiao was 36 and coming off a loss, years after both fighters were considered to be at their peak.
Similarly, Mayweather’s fights with Oscar De La Hoya in 2007 and Miguel Cotto in 2012 came when both of his opponents were in their thirties and had already been in many grueling wars. However, Mayweather faced future Hall of Famers and elite boxers who were considered the best of their generation. In 2013, for example, he took on a young, undefeated, and bigger Canelo Alvarez. He also defeated Juan Manuel Marquez who was coming off a knockout of Manny Pacquiao. Mayweather’s career was a masterclass in the business of boxing. He generated massive paydays, securing his future outside of the sport.