Ryan Garcia calls out Teofimo Lopez, says he’s his kryptonite

Ryan Garcia has his eyes on World Boxing Organization (WBO) super lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez. He called himself Lopez’s 'kryptonite' and predicted a knockout if they fought.

Garcia told The Ring that his style is made to beat Lopez. He said he believes he would knock Lopez out because of the way he chooses and throws his punches. Garcia added that he has wanted this fight for a long time and is open to any challenge.

The 27-year-old former World Boxing Council (WBC) interim lightweight champion recently lost to Rolando 'Rolly' Romero in May at New York’s Times Square. Romero knocked Garcia down in the second round and stayed in control for most of the fight. The judges scored it 115-112, 115-112, and 118-110 in Romero’s favour.

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This was Garcia’s second loss in his career. It was also his first fight after a one-year ban for testing positive for Ostarine, a banned drug. His previous fight in April 2024 against Devin Haney was changed to 'no contest' because of that result.

Feud with Oscar De La Hoya complicates plans

Garcia (24-2, 20 KOs) is still healing from hand surgery, his second in four years. He wants to fight again in December against a big-name opponent. Along with Lopez, he’s even talked about facing boxing legend Manny Pacquiao. However, his return is harder because his relationship with promoter Oscar De La Hoya is getting worse.

The feud grew when Garcia pushed for a Romero rematch, even though De La Hoya was against it. De La Hoya told DAZN that the first fight was not exciting and that Garcia should aim for bigger fights, like one with Teofimo Lopez or other well-known boxers.

Garcia hit back on social media by posting a video of himself talking to De La Hoya. In it, he told De La Hoya not to call him unless there was a $20 million deal. He also said Golden Boy had recently offered him the worst deal he could imagine for his next fight. Garcia has said he will fight one more time with Golden Boy before leaving the company.

Lopez’s options and shared history with Garcia

Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs) last fought in February. He beat Arnold Barboza Jr. in a unanimous decision and kept his WBO 140-pound title. Garcia has talked a lot about wanting the fight, but Lopez seems to be looking at other choices.

He recently shared photos with Richardson Hitchins and Shakur Stevenson, asking fans, 'Which one?' Lopez and Garcia have a past. Back in May, they argued in public at Times Square. The tense moment made people think a fight could happen if Lopez says yes.

Garcia’s uncertain comeback path

For now, it’s not clear who Garcia will fight next. If Lopez picks another opponent, Romero is still an option, even though his promoter isn’t too keen. Garcia has said he won’t fight Haney again. He’s only interested in facing 'big name' fighters.

Whether December brings Lopez or another rival, the stakes would still be high. It would be two of boxing’s biggest names going head-to-head. One is trying to bounce back from a hard loss. The other is looking for his next big fight. 'If he’s ready, let him say so’, Garcia said. Fans anticipating the fight online are also looking at gaming deals. Offers like a Bitcasino slot bonus spice up big sports events.