Ryan Garcia displayed some erratic behaviour this week at the two press conferences for his April 20 fight with Devin Haney, and Eddie Hearn has now joined those who have expressed concern for the 25-year-old.
Garcia cut a disheveled figure at the media events, both of which Hearn was present at, and admitted to drinking and smoking marijuana.
He was even accused by Haney of taking cocaine, echoing comments from detractors on social media who had picked up on changes in King Ry’s demeanour and voice.
And though Garcia vehemently denied those claims, Hearn – very much on team Haney – told IFL TV he didn’t like what he saw during the week.
“I think Ryan’s behaviour is quite erratic, to be honest. I really like the guy, so I don’t want to say too much to knock him.
Ryan Garcia addresses drug accusations. pic.twitter.com/0rijyT6HzL
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) February 29, 2024
“But I do think his behaviour and mannerisms at the press conference, as well as what I see on social media with the the picture of him with the joint..
“I’ve been around a lot of fighters that I’ve seen go through problems, and I’ve never been wrong when I’ve thought to myself, ‘This person’s got an issue here.’
“You just see something change in their behaviour, and I think I see it in Ryan.
“I hope he makes the fight, but he really needs to get into training camp.
“Erratic behaviour stems from something. It’s completely unlike him
“I do worry about Ryan Garcia’s behaviour.”
Haney’s WBC super lightweight title will be on the line at the Barclays Center, in what will be Garcia’s second venture up to world level since getting stopped in seven rounds by Gervonta Davis in Las Vegas last April.
In truth, he was found well short that night, and comes into the fight with ‘The Dream’ as a clear underdog with many doubting whether he has what it takes to mix it with the very best.
And though Garcia bounced back from the Davis loss by stopping Oscar Duarte last December, the task posed by former undisputed lightweight champion Haney will be a significantly more difficult one.
