As the New York State Athletic Commission suspended Ryan Garcia for a year due to failing multiple drug tests before his fight with Devin Haney, fans speculated about the future of his career. Along with the suspension, Garcia had to forfeit his $1.2 million disclosed purse and was fined $10,000. Despite the setback, Garcia has the option to return to boxing once his suspension is lifted in April 2025. He remains popular and talented at just 25 years old, but questions remain about his mental health and mindset moving forward.
With his suspension being retroactive to the date of his last fight, Garcia is set to miss only one potential fight date that he likely wouldn’t have participated in until October. While the suspension is a significant obstacle, Garcia’s return in April is not the worst-case scenario for him. The boxer has remained visible and polarizing to fans in the midst of his ordeal, suggesting that he will maintain his position as a top contender once he is cleared to compete again.
There is speculation that Garcia may move up in weight class upon his return, possibly to welterweight or light middleweight, due to the challenges of making the lightweight limit of 135 pounds. Moving up in weight could open up new opportunities for Garcia, including potential matchups against fighters like Cody Crowley and Conor Benn. Both opponents bring their own unique qualities to the table and have the potential to make a fight against Garcia one of the biggest in 2025 in both the United Kingdom and the United States.
Crowley, with his undefeated record of 22-0 but relatively low knockout rate, could present an interesting challenge for Garcia’s return to the ring. On the other hand, Benn, the son of the renowned Nigel Benn, offers name recognition and charisma. While Benn has yet to secure a signature win over a top-tier opponent, his potential matchup with Garcia could elevate both fighters’ star power and drawing ability. Benn’s next fight has yet to be announced, and it is uncertain if he will need a tune-up before facing Garcia.
As Garcia navigates the aftermath of his suspension, boxing fans are eager to see how he will bounce back and what challenges he will face in his comeback. With his talent, popularity, and youth, Garcia has the potential for a successful return to the sport. While the past year has been filled with uncertainty and setbacks for Garcia, the future remains bright as he looks ahead to his anticipated return to the ring in April 2025.
