Ryan Garcia does not believe that Rolly Romero has improved since they shared the ring in sparring many years ago.
Garcia returns to action in a welterweight showdown against Romero at Times Square in New York on May 2.
Romero scored a controversial stoppage win over Ismael Barroso to become WBA super lightweight champion, in 2023, but ‘King Ry’ does not believe his compatriot has improved as a fighter from when they sparred as youngsters.
“[He’s] not really [evolved] to be honest,” Garcia told the Ring Magazine.
“I kind of just see him still making the same mistakes.
“Still kind of fighting the same.
“He hasn’t really made that many adjustments to be honest.
“His chin actually looks like it’s gotten a lot weaker.”
Garcia saw his stunning majority decision win over Devin Haney last April changed to a no contest, after testing positive for Ostarine.
The 26-year-old, who dropped Haney three times at Barclays Center, was given a one-year suspension by the New York State Athletic Commission, which runs until April.
‘King Ry’ insists he will return to the ring with a knockout victory over Romero.
“Just my experience and my overall abilities are just better than his,” he said.
“I think he’s going to come hard to fight, because he’s in a great opportunity and he’s confident against me.
“So I think we’re going to see a good fight, but ultimately I’m going to knock him out.”
If Garcia is successful against Romero and Haney is victorious against Jose Ramirez on the undercard, the pair will rematch in October in Saudi Arabia.
The pair were embroiled in a lawsuit after Haney sued his rival for battery, fraud and breach of contract, as a result of Garcia’s doping offence.
In January, ESPN reported that both men asked a court to pause proceedings for 90 days, as they negotiated terms for their rematch.
