Ryan Garcia wants piece of Pacquiao
MANILA, Philippines — Ryan Garcia, the controversial and flamboyant boxer whose strong social media presence tends to outshine his ring exploits, has called out Manny Pacquiao.
The 26-year-old Garcia shared to Ring Magazine his desire to take on Pacquiao, who is suddenly back in the boxing limelight after turning back the clock against Mario Barrios last Sunday in Las Vegas (Manila time).
Ryan Garcia has told The Ring that he is interested in a showdown with Manny Pacquiao ???? pic.twitter.com/r4mwzaHwIc
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) July 24, 2025
“It’s something that you dream of… I am always up for the challenge,” said Garcia (24-2, including 20 knockouts with 1 no contest) of a showdown with the Filipino icon.
The former interim lightweight titlist had been in past conversations as a possible Pacquiao opponent, but a fight between them never materialized.
Garcia even flew to Japan last year to personally attend Pacquiao’s exhibition bout with Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo, fueling speculations that the two are headed for a collision.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao successfully returned from a four-year retirement from the pros, battling Barrios to a majority draw in his bid to wrest the latter’s World Boxing Council welterweight strap at the MGM Grand Garden Arena — a fight many thought he should have won.
Pacquiao’s clock-unwinding performance has caught Garcia’s eye.
“I would be lying if I said I am not interested,” Garcia said.
But the fighter, who goes by the nickname “King Ry”, must first take a number and fall in line.
From the looks of it, World Boxing Association welterweight beltholder Rolly Romero has the inside track in landing a lucrative date with Pacquiao, who is reportedly eyeing to fight again in December.
Romero indeed has the stronger case, having defeated Garcia via unanimous decision when they fought at Times Square in New York last March.
Still, Garcia is letting Pacquiao know he’s available anytime, anywhere.
“If Manny wants to throw it down, let’s do it,” he said.
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