Teddy Atlas made a last-ditch effort to convince the NYSAC to ensure Ryan Garcia is “mentally fit” to enter the ring this weekend.
Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia is apparently going to take place this weekend. In what has been a rather unusual buildup to the fight, we’ve seen a lot of twists and turns. However, according to trainer and commentator Teddy Atlas, the fight should not go through.
For those who don’t know, after much discussion, it has finally been decided that Ryan Garcia will play against Devin Haney this year. Despite Floyd Mayweather’s advice, Garcia apparently elected to go with Haney after a public vote. Now the matchup is all systems go for April 20 at the Barclays Center in New York.
Naturally, much has been said about Garcia’s approach to the fight. Things take a strange turn with him openly admitting to drinking and doing drugs while also referencing urban myths like Bohemian Grove. All in all, fans are pretty sure that something is up with the warrior. Despite all that, the fight is seemingly going to go ahead.
Teddy Atlas is disappointed with the NYSAC for allowing Ryan Garcia to fight
One person who isn’t too keen on promoting the fight is former trainer and commentator, Teddy Atlas. In the past, Atlas worked closely with Mike Tyson in his younger years. According to the trainer, he believes that Ryan Garcia should be thoroughly examined before being allowed to fight.
Seeing as the game is already an atrocity, the 67-year-old voiced his concerns in a recent episode of his podcast, ‘Fighting Teddy Atlas’.
“The New York State Athletic Commission, which I called, if there’s a month to go, if they don’t have him reevaluated by some of their doctors, and I mean on a mental level, not just a physical level, not just with him. The pulse and his heartbeat and all that kind of thing when you show behavior that begs to be asked, ‘Are you mentally okay? Are you okay before we get in the ring?’
“There is only one reason we have commissions. To ensure the welfare and health of a fighter entering the ring. To ensure that they are mentally and physically healthy in mind and body. I don’t know if you can say that about (Ryan) Garcia if you don’t evaluate him with the right people.”
Thus, Atlas is furious with the New York State Athletic Commission for allowing the fight to go forward. Although he considers Garcia’s actions likely to be an intentional theatrical act, Teddy believes NYSAC is involved if the 25-year-old suffered some serious injuries against Devin Haney.
Bill Haney suggests that Ryan Garcia is doing an elaborate job
For the most part, fans are very interested to see how Ryan Garcia comes out in his fight against Devin Haney. With the latter’s WBC super lightweight title also on the line, many consider the fight a ‘must win’ for Garcia. However, as suggested by Teddy Atlas, Garcia was reportedly only in camp for 5 weeks in the biggest fight of his career.
This, combined with his erratic and problematic behavior, led many to believe that something truly serious was going on. At the same time, Ryan’s actions did not hinder the preparations made by Devin Haney and his father, Bill Haney. During the press conference, Bill also revealed that he was well aware of Garcia’s actions in trying to throw Devin.
“Even though he’s making you think he might be crazy or delusional in fashion, because with (George) Kambossos, because we gave him Art of War, I have a book for Ryan Garcia today. Psychology for Dummies.”
Upon receiving the book, Garcia immediately launched it from the stage.
“Well, Kambosos did that, you see what happened to him.”
“So, all these games that he was playing on people, I don’t know if he thought he was playing on you guys, but it didn’t work with me and Devin.”
Either way, Devin and his team are well prepared for whatever comes Saturday night. Mostly, fans want to see if what Ryan Garcia is doing is really an act or an effect of some substance. Although it has been entertaining to watch, many are genuinely concerned for the fighter’s health.