‘I want to be a true professional’: Ryan Garcia shows new attitude at press conference

Ryan Garcia says he admits his wrongs and wants to showcase a new, more professional attitude ahead of his boxing return.

Ryan Garcia’s return from suspension and into active boxing will come when he faces Rolly Romero in a welterweight main event on May 2, and he displayed a more laid back, “professional” attitude at their kickoff press conference today.

Garcia (24-1, 20 KO) didn’t have much to say when asked about an old sparring session with the two of them, which has been referenced for years, and also says there’s no bad blood between the pair.

“I think we sparred about eight years ago. It was a little rough sparring, I guess, but he continued to use that sparring to boost his career,” he said. “But I don’t have no bad blood with him. I’m here to do my job and set up that (Haney) rematch, but I’m not overlooking him at all. I know he’s going to come to fight. It’s a big opportunity, so I’ve got to be sharp and prepare.”

Garcia also said he’s looking for something of a personality redemption arc after his behavior leading up to last year’s fight with Devin Haney.

“I want to be great. I’ve always wanted to fight the best fighters in the sport,” he said. “As far as my problems outside the ring, I’ve always had those problems. That’s just something I was struggling with.

“I just want to show everybody that you can come back from anything. I want to show my dedication to the sport and be a true professional. I admit my wrongs and I don’t want anybody to take me drinking and smoking before a fight and think that’s a way to handle yourself as a professional. I came here to change that.”