Ryan Garcia slams veteran trainer Robert Garcia for Vergil Ortiz knockout prediction: "I would murder the blind kid"
Former world champion boxer and highly sought-after trainer Robert Garcia has incurred Ryan Garcia's wrath by labeling the polarizing boxing star an easy target for Vergil Ortiz.
The 49-year-old coach, who has trained many world champions, including Amir Khan, is now aiding Ortiz in his pugilistic journey. While 'Grandpa' wants nothing but the best for 'KingRy', he doesn't believe the 25-year-old stands a chance against his pupil. Talking to Fight Hub TV, Garcia said:
"I really don't think he has a chance against Vergil, honestly. I love him you know, my family always supports every time he fights. My Grandson cried when he lost against 'Tank' [Gervonta Davis]... But him against Vergil, he'll put up a few good rounds and everything but I think eventually he'll get knocked out."
Catch Robert Garcia's comments on Ryan Garcia below (5:03):
As the former IBF super featherweight champion sees it, Ortiz is too big and too strong for Garcia.
'KingRy', however, doesn't subscribe to the veteran trainer's beliefs. In a post on X, the super lightweight star clapped back at 'Grandpa', writing:
"Robert, I love you. But I have beat the s**t out of every fighter you have put in front of me. Sparring etc. No one from RGBA [Robert Garcia Boxing Academy] can beat me and you know it. I would murder the blind kid, [I] can't see how the f**k you think he will see the left."
Garcia's quip at Ortiz's eye seems to be an obvious call-back to when the 26-year-old was forced out of his fight against Omar Tienda in 2019 owing to the New York Boxing State Athletic Commission denying him a license following a LASIK surgery.
Robert Garcia sends endearing message to Ryan Garcia following online tirade
It looks like Robert Garcia wants to bury that hatchet with Ryan Garcia after the pair's online tirade.
Replying to the young pugilist clapping back at him on X, the veteran trainer sent an endearing message lauding Garcia's pugilistic prowess:
"I hope to see you bounce back from all this negativity surrounding you. When you're at your best, you are a great asset to boxing, and I hope to see you at your best again."
'KingRy' has landed himself in a slew of trouble in recent times. For one, he is currently on a one-year ban from boxing after testing positive for ostarine on a drug test. Furthermore, his recent string of hate speech has resulted in him being expelled from the WBC.