Keith Thurman Offers Heartfelt Guidance to Ryan Garcia Amidst Turmoil: “Now’s Not the Time”
In a world where the boxing community often thrives on the bravado and resilience of its athletes, the recent actions of Ryan Garcia have sent shockwaves through the sport. Amidst the chaos and scrutiny, however, there emerges a beacon of support in the form of Keith Thurman. His words echo not only concern but also a profound understanding of the challenges faced by the young boxer.
As the countdown to Garcia’s upcoming fight with Devin Haney looms closer, Thurman, affectionately known as ‘One Time’, doesn’t shy away from addressing the elephant in the room. In a candid conversation with sports journalist Manouk Akopyan, Thurman delves into the complexities of Garcia’s situation, offering both empathy and advice.
Thurman’s admiration for Garcia’s boxing prowess is evident, reminiscing about his own excitement at the prospect of a matchup between Garcia and ‘Rolly’ Romero. Yet, beneath the surface, lies a deeper concern for Garcia’s well-being amidst the frenzy of social media attention and personal struggles.
In Thurman’s eyes, Garcia’s erratic behavior is not merely a cause for criticism but a call for collective support and understanding. He acknowledges the importance of finding balance and inner peace, urging those closest to Garcia to rally around him with unwavering affection.
Despite the looming fight on April 20, Thurman emphasizes that health and mental well-being should take precedence over any sporting event. His words carry the weight of experience and wisdom, reminding Garcia that it’s okay to pause and prioritize self-care, even if it means stepping away temporarily from the ring.
Amidst the tumult, Thurman finds solace in the overwhelming support Garcia continues to receive from his fans on social media. It serves as a testament to Garcia’s resilience and the enduring bond he shares with his followers. Thurman’s message is clear: amidst the chaos, Garcia must find the strength to rise again, knowing that he is not alone in his journey.
As Thurman prepares for his own comeback fight against Tim Tszyu, he understands the gravity of the moment. It’s not just about reclaiming victory in the ring but about setting an example of resilience and perseverance for the next generation of boxers.
In the end, Thurman’s words resonate not just with Garcia but with anyone facing their own battles amidst the glare of public scrutiny. It’s a reminder that vulnerability is not weakness and that seeking help is a sign of strength.
“You know I like the fight, um I like I like Ryan’s style, I always have um personally, uh, just knowing when after I watched his last fight and uh knowing Rollie, you know, I mean, I love that Rollie and Isaac Cruz is is a heck of a fight, but I was really interested in seeing Rollie and um and Ryan Garcia as a matchup personally…” he said.
“Of course nobody wants him to pull out of the fight, but I would have to say that um if right now it’s not the time, you know and and if he can and if he can afford to, you know, not be desperate for the paycheck, then at the end of the day, you know, you might want to think about your own health and wellness and just come back to the sport at another time…” said Thurman.