Ryan Garcia Targets New Opponent After Teofimo Lopez Fight Flip
Ryan Garcia has altered his immediate fight plans. The WBC welterweight champion now appears to be shifting focus after a recently announced bout was upended.
February win and the Haney storyline
Garcia captured world honours with a February unanimous decision over Mario Barrios. He used a notable right hand to upset expectations in that fight.
The victory reopened talks of a grudge rematch with Devin Haney. Haney holds the WBO welterweight title and remains a key rival.
Teofimo Lopez date scrapped and new targets
At the start of the month, Garcia had named Teofimo Lopez as his July 25 opponent. Those plans changed after broader negotiations involving other champions stalled.
Reports say Garcia told UFC hopeful Arman Tsarukyan on a Kick stream that he wants Haney next. He suggested the rematch is now his priority.
How other fighters factor in
Devin Haney was reportedly pursuing a fight with Rolando Romero, the WBA titleholder. Talks between those parties collapsed, affecting several schedules.
WBC mandatory challenger Conor Benn has expressed plans to face Garcia later this year. A unification bout with Haney would supersede any mandatory clash.
Possible timeline
Haney-Garcia II had been floated for September. Haney prefers a tune-up fight before a rematch to address their first meeting’s result.
Keywords and context
Filmogaz.com notes that Garcia is targeting a new opponent following the Teofimo Lopez fight flip. The champion appears to prioritize a Haney rematch.
- Ryan Garcia — WBC welterweight champion
- Mario Barrios — defeated in February
- Devin Haney — WBO welterweight champion, rematch target
- Teofimo Lopez — initially scheduled for July 25
- Rolando Romero — WBA titleholder linked to Haney talks
- Conor Benn — WBC mandatory challenger aiming for later this year
