Fans Dub Ryan Garcia vs. Manny Pacquiao “Roadkill” as ‘KingRy’ Confirms Exhibition Match
The boxing world is abuzz with a fresh wave of controversy and excitement as Ryan Garcia announces his upcoming exhibition match against boxing icon Manny Pacquiao. The clash, set to take place by the end of 2024, has ignited a firestorm of opinions from fans and critics alike, with some branding it a “roadkill” scenario for the Filipino legend.
Garcia, who has been mired in a whirlwind of personal and professional challenges, including a recent suspension for a positive drug test and a turbulent personal life, has taken a decisive step back into the limelight. Despite previously promising to check into rehab following his infamous outburst and erratic behavior, Garcia’s return to the ring is anything but conventional.
Having recently attended the RIZIN 3 event in Japan, where he witnessed Pacquiao’s exhibition bout against Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo, Garcia made a bold move. Following the fight, Garcia stepped into the ring, challenging both Pacquiao and Anpo to a boxing match. “I want to fight in Japan. And I want to challenge Anpo or Manny, whoever,” Garcia declared, throwing down the gauntlet.
The announcement has been met with a mix of skepticism and amusement. The bout, which Garcia confirmed in an interview with Russian-American YouTuber Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, is officially an exhibition match. “I was doing a fight deal with Manny Pacquiao,” Garcia said, adding that the exact date for the match remains undecided but is expected by the “end of the year.”
Garcia’s decision to pursue this fight in Japan, despite his ongoing suspension by the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) for testing positive for Ostarine, has drawn both curiosity and criticism. Exhibition bouts in Japan are not governed by the NYSAC, allowing Garcia to sidestep the suspension and compete internationally.
After the bout, Garcia entered the ring and challenged both fighters to a boxing match. “I want to fight in Japan. And I want to challenge Anpo or Manny, whoever.” But wait, there is more to it. In the lead-up to Pacquiao’s exhibition fight, Garcia had a face-off with Manny Pacquiao.“It’s on like donkey Kong @mannypacquiao. I love you and respect you. But a battle is a battle,” ‘KingRy’ wrote on X as he posted a picture of the intense stare-off.
Garcia said, “I was doing a fight deal with Manny Pacquiao”. When Vitaly asked, “Exhibition?”, Garcia said, “Yeah, exhibition.”
Ryan Garcia announced an exhibition fight vs Manny Pacquiao at the end of the year 😳 pic.twitter.com/wHBtFv5tOW
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) July 31, 2024
The response from fans has been highly polarized. Some view the match as a spectacle driven more by spectacle than competitive merit. One fan remarked, “Ryan Garcia vs. Manny Pacquiao? Sounds like roadkill for Pacquiao. With his age and recent performance, this could be a disaster waiting to happen.”
Ryan Garcia announced an exhibition fight vs Manny Pacquiao at the end of the year 😳 pic.twitter.com/wHBtFv5tOW
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) July 31, 2024
Ryan Garcia announced an exhibition fight vs Manny Pacquiao at the end of the year 😳 pic.twitter.com/wHBtFv5tOW
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) July 31, 2024
Garcia’s announcement has also sparked comparisons to Jake Paul’s recent trend of fighting retired or semi-retired fighters. “Is he gonna pull a Jake Paul and start fighting retired dudes?” questioned one fan, highlighting the growing sentiment that Garcia’s choice of opponents may be motivated more by convenience than challenge.
Others have criticized Garcia’s deviation from his rehab commitment. “Glad rehab is going well,” sarcastically tweeted one observer, pointing to Garcia’s inconsistency in addressing his personal issues while pursuing high-profile fights.
Despite the mixed reactions, there is no denying the intrigue surrounding the match. Garcia’s aggressive style and his potent left hook have many wondering if the younger fighter will overpower the aging Pacquiao. “He’s going to try and kill Manny. 93 left hooks in a row,” predicted one fan, emphasizing the potential for a dramatic finish.
In contrast, some fans are still hopeful that the fight will live up to its hype. With both fighters carrying substantial reputations and contrasting styles, the exhibition match promises to offer a spectacle of epic proportions, regardless of the criticisms.
As the boxing community awaits further details on this matchup, the question remains: Will Garcia’s quest for a high-profile bout be a strategic career move or merely a flashy sideshow? Only time will tell if this exhibition will be remembered as a significant moment in boxing history or as a misstep in Garcia’s tumultuous career.
