SAN ANTONIO — Ryan Garcia was able to get everything he wanted from his time under Eddie Reynoso and his time spent with pound-for-pound King Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez.
Now comes the next phase of his career.
"It's not a fresh start," Garcia told BoxingScene.com about his anticipated ring return. "This is the beginning of something special."
This weekend's 15-month ring break comes to an end, as García (21-0, 18KO) prepares to face fellow top lightweight contender Emmanuel Tago (32-1, 15KO). His scheduled 12-round bout above the lightweight limit (contracted maximum weight of 139 pounds) topped a DAZN telecast from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, marking Garcia's first fight since his off-the-canvas Campbell, a seventh-round knockout of England's Luke, in Dallas last January.
Garcia's famous comeback comes with new company, as he is now coached by veteran cornerman Joe Gossen. The move was announced in mid-February, coming as a surprise that they decided to abandon Reno's gym in favor of setting up shop at their facility in the greater San Diego area.
This past training camp has included regular visits from former Hall of Fame six-division champion Oscar de la Hoya, promoter of Garcia and founder/president of Golden Boy Promotions, with whom García has a close relationship. Such pop-ins were not quite possible while Garcia trained at Reynoso's facility. Given the very public and bitter split between Alvarez and Golden Boy at the end of 2020.
Now training from his facility and under new guidance, Garcia has enjoyed the peace of mind he has had during this past camp.
"It's bringing us all together," Garcia admitted. "The Oscars are free to come to my camp. There's no weird drama going on. That weird dynamic has gone. We've both become pretty close since I started this last training camp."
The growing bond between Garcia and De La Hoya is a natural battle, as the unbeaten lightweight from Victorville, Calif. has often compared the Hall of Fame battle years to “The Golden Boy.” It's equally comforting for De La Hoya, who became comfortable in his role as a mentor to the next generation of champions and contenders under his promotional banner.
"I recommend him. I see him at training camp. We've gotten closer," De La Hoya told BoxingScene.com. "He is the next superstar in boxing. I want to make sure he reaches the pinnacle and delivers his best.
“I have signs that I love to share with all my fighters. I get to pass it to Ryan, show him the ropes. He respects it. Being a fighter like Ryan is a breath of fresh air."
Manty wouldn't have it any other way.
"Actually I like it. I don't like drama," admitted Garcia. "I don't like bad blood. I am a very sweet boy. I am a very familiar man. I'm not really familiar with having rancor."