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'I'm proud of him' - Oscar De La Hoya reveals huge change in Ryan Garcia
This time last year, Ryan Garcia was preparing for a fight with old amateur rival Devin Haney in New York.
Garcia is one of the most popular faces in the sport of boxing, and he's only 26 years old. With so much of his career ahead of him, Garcia has the chance to dominate the sport for years to come.
However, the build-up to his clash with Haney showed off possibly the worst side of 'King Ry'.
From his extravagant entrances at press conferences, to missing weight for the WBC super lightweight title fight, it all tainted what should have been a memorable event for American boxing.
Then came the fight itself on April 20.
Despite his erratic behaviour, Garcia managed to knock down Haney on three occasions, before being declared the winner by majority decision.
This result has since been made a no contest after Garcia tested positive for Ostarine, a PED, both the day before and on the day of the fight.
With the dust having settled on this crazy moment in Garcia's career, he has now announced his next fight.
Taking place in New York's Times Square on May 2, live on DAZN, Garcia will face Rolando Romero, with Haney also set to appear on the same card against Jose Ramirez. If the two emerge from their fights with wins, it's expected that the two will meet in a rematch later this year.
However, at Tuesday's launch press conference for the event, Garcia was composed, even when drawn into a verbal exchange with WBO super lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez.
Appearing on DAZN's Ariel x Ade: The Boxing Show after the press conference, Garcia's promoter, Oscar De La Hoya explained what has triggered a change in his fighter's personality ahead of a historic night on May 2.
"It’s zen like, I think Ryan Garcia had a lot to think about, not fighting, not training," De La Hoya said.
"In between these fights you reflect on your life, you reflect on what you did in your past. How can I get better and improve in certain areas.
"He did a lot of work, I’m happy for him, I’m proud of him because it’s not easy being the champion, it’s not easy being the fighter at this calibre, carrying the sport of boxing on his back. It’s a lot of pressure.
"The fact that Ryan Garcia’s back, he’s subdued a bit, but I like that. When he comes out on May 2nd, we’re going to see a beast."
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