Ryan Garcia’s promoter and former Floyd Mayweather opponent Oscar De La Hoya believes the pair could deliver “an interesting fight” if early reports turn into something concrete.
Following initial rumours, Garcia has announced that he and Mayweather have ‘agreed’ to compete for his WBC welterweight world title.
The 28-year-old world champion’s lawyer and advisor, Guadalupe Valencia, has confirmed talks, but said that it can only take place once Mayweather is free from other fight obligations, namely a rematch with Manny Pacquiao and exhibition with Mike Tyson.
Garcia’s promoter, De La Hoya – who lost to Mayweather 2007 by split decision – told FightHype that he found out about the potential fight at the same time fans did.
“[It was a] surprise to me. Just like everyone else, I saw it on the internet. That would be interesting, I guess.”
Mayweather held the WBC welterweight world title on two occasions during his iconic career, the second reign ending back in 2015. Garcia picked it up earlier this year, beating Mario Barrios, before marking his first defence with a second-round stoppage of Conor Benn.
Despite the younger man’s form – and clear advantages in physicality and activity – De La Hoya believes it is a 50/50 fight.
“[The 21-year age difference] is big. But you have to respect what he’s done in his career. He still takes care of himself – doesn’t drink, doesn’t smoke, doesn’t do drugs, whatever.
“It’s almost like a 50/50 fight to me, because Mayweather has the savviness, the IQ, to just play with Ryan if he wanted to. So, it’s a very interesting fight. Ryan is all over the map. He’s an unconventional punching machine.”
Regardless of the intrigue De La Hoya believes the match-up presents, most still believe it is unlikely to materialise.
