Ryan Garcia vs. Teofimo Lopez is a solid unification fight, but it lacks the bad blood, PPV history, and redemption storylines that make a Devin Haney rematch or a Gervonta “Tank” Davis rematch far bigger events.
The demption ark is at play maybe for all three boxers in a sense, though Garcia and Haney have kind of delivered on that.
Lopez to a lesser extend in his Rolly Romero close points decision victory recently.
Haney a champion like Garcia at 147 pounds after a very solid victory over Brian Norman Jr to get a title.
Garcia knocked out Conor Benn in the second round but calls for the Haney rematch keep coming again.
He called out Teofimo Lopez after and so did Lopez, call him out, but that is not the same as a big Haney or Tank rematch;
- PPV History: Garcia-Tank did 1.2M+ buys; Garcia-Haney was huge. Garcia-Lopez has no track record.
- No-Contest Controversy: Haney rematch resolves the overturned PED win. Lopez offers no such drama.
- Redemption Arc: Tank rematch avenges Garcia’s only KO loss. Lopez is just another belt.
- Personal Animosity: Garcia wants Haney to apologize for PED rumors. Lopez lacks that spite.
- Haney’s Dream Fight: Haney calls the rematch “the one I need.” Lopez is just a mandatory.
- Golden Ticket Factor: Haney and Tank bring bigger fanbases and revenue. Lopez doesn’t.
- Weight Drama: Tank rematch could have huge stipulations (147lbs, no rehydration clause). Lopez has none possibly.
- Mental Edge: Garcia questions Tank’s love for the sport. Lopez doesn’t provoke that.
- Haney’s Style: Haney’s increased US reputation makes a Garcia rematch must-see. Lopez is just competitive.
- A-Side Status: Lopez has never proven PPV A-side level. Haney and Tank have.
- Viral Moments: Garcia-Haney and Garcia-Tank generate memes and callouts. Lopez buildup is quieter, sometimes controversial, still a little less infamous though then the rematches.
- Unfinished Business: Haney (PEDs, weight) and Tank (body shot, drain) left questions. Lopez does not have this angle.
- Purse Leverage: Garcia says Tank must accept “our conditions.” Lopez can’t challenge that.
- Cinco de Mayo: Tank or Haney rematch headlines the mega weekend. Lopez is a secondary option.
- Fan Demand: Media and fans push Haney and Tank rematches as “the fights to make.” Lopez is a step, not the prize.
Ryan Garcia says he could fight Lopez on Cinco De Mayo next but the other bouts, above, are far bigger.
That is his intention, if the fight happens though, let’s see if it actually does.
Many things can happen and many fights can happen for him.
Garcia Benn proved eventful, rest assured so shall either of the above rematches for Ryan Garcia, if he goes for any of them.
The Ryan Garcia fights lately have been impressive, Conor Benn the latest but Garcia needs a mega fight next, or at least try to go for one.
The money is there for him immediately if he has the interest in the above rematches.
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