Ryan Garcia and Teofimo Lopez Clash at Press Conference Amid Speculation

NEW YORK — A heated exchange erupted between boxers Ryan Garcia and Teofimo Lopez during an official press conference for the upcoming Times Square boxing event organized by Riyadh Season, despite neither fighter being scheduled to fight each other next.

Garcia, who boasts a record of 24 wins and 1 loss with 20 knockouts, confronted Lopez, saying, “We don’t give a f* what you are. We don’t give a f* bro. I’m tired of hearing this s***… We’re gonna run that 100 percent.” This comment, more than mere trash talk, hints at a potential future clash between the two talented fighters.

Known for his psychological strategies and social media prowess, Garcia has repeatedly called out Lopez, suggesting a future matchup could add depth to their rivalry, particularly as it pits the East Coast against the West Coast. Garcia hails from California, while Lopez is a Brooklyn native of Honduran descent, making their dynamic even more intriguing.

In a previous bout on July 16, 2022, Garcia knocked out former champion Javier Fortuna at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Post-fight, when asked who he wanted to face next, Garcia emphasized his desire to fight Lopez at 140 pounds if a highly anticipated bout with Gervonta Davis didn’t materialize. “Then I want to fight Teofimo Lopez at 140 lbs,” he stated emphatically.

Although Garcia’s wish for that matchup has yet to come true, his ongoing interest in Lopez showcases his belief in an edge over the competitor. Lopez, a former unified lightweight champion, carved his name in the sport by defeating Vasiliy Lomachenko to capture multiple titles in 2020, although he faced setbacks in 2021 after losing to George Kambosos Jr. in a split decision.

Since then, Lopez has rebounded at 140 pounds, capturing the WBO super lightweight title with a decisive victory over Josh Taylor in 2023. While he experienced highs and lows early in his career, Lopez has indicated he previously turned down an offer to fight Garcia in 2023. However, the boxing landscape is shifting with the influence of Riyadh Season, potentially reopening discussions for future matchups.

This budding rivalry is gaining traction, and while a bout between Lopez and Garcia isn’t imminent, the prospect of it happening, especially at a marquee location like Times Square, promises excitement. Whether it unfolds in New York, Alcatraz, or even the Moon, the anticipation surrounding this potential fight continues to grow.