In the world of boxing, where the physical meets the mental, Ryan Garcia’s readiness for his upcoming bout against WBC light welterweight champion Devin Haney on April 20th is under scrutiny. Drea Celin, Garcia’s ex-wife, expressed concerns over Garcia's well-being in a recent social media post, describing him as “heavily oppressed.” While the term might have been a misnomer for “depressed,” the message is clear: Garcia is going through a challenging period.
This revelation casts a shadow on Garcia’s participation in the highly anticipated headliner on DAZN PPV. With speculation already rife about Garcia’s potential withdrawal—fueled by his admissions of smoking and drinking at a press conference—the situation seems precarious. Arnold Barboza Jr. stands as a potential replacement should Garcia be unable to compete, a switch that would undoubtedly impact the fight’s dynamics and viewer expectations.
Further complicating the narrative, a cryptic post on X attributed to Garcia hinted at distress, although Garcia's father later claimed it was merely a misguided attempt at trolling. Yet, the contrasting statements from Garcia’s family and his ex-wife paint a picture of a man in turmoil, despite the public façade.
Drea Celin’s call to prayer for Garcia underscores the severity of the situation, emphasizing that despite their personal separation, the concern for Garcia’s well-being transcends personal differences. It highlights the often overlooked aspect of mental health in high-pressure sports like boxing, where the glitz and glamour of the ring can mask deeper struggles.
Image Credit: Sky Sports