Oscar De La Hoya is excited about the prospect of Ryan Garcia facing Teofimo Lopez in a massive showdown set for Super Bowl Weekend on February 10th, 2024. De La Hoya’s comments come after Garcia hinted at a significant fight in 2024, following his recent move up to the junior welterweight division. Nicknamed ‘King Ryan,’ Garcia has already demonstrated his knack for drawing large pay-per-view audiences, as evidenced by his last bout against Gervonta Davis. Despite his defeat in the seventh round due to a body shot, the fight reportedly garnered over 1.2 million pay-per-view buys, resulting in Garcia pocketing an impressive $30 million.
Meanwhile, Teofimo Lopez, fresh off his victory over Josh Taylor to secure the WBO junior welterweight title, has expressed a strong desire for lucrative nine-figure paydays. A clash with Garcia promises to generate the kind of numbers that Lopez envisions while also offering Garcia the chance to secure his very first world title. De La Hoya is determined to turn this dream match into a reality.
Contractual and Financial Challenges Pose a Threat
However, a significant hurdle that could derail this exciting matchup is the involvement of different promoters and networks. Ryan Garcia is currently associated with Golden Boy and DAZN, but their relationship has soured due to an ongoing legal dispute. Garcia alleges that his contract was breached, rendering it unenforceable, while De La Hoya insists that Garcia should uphold his contractual obligations.
On the flip side, Teofimo Lopez has faced his own share of challenges with Top Rank, primarily concerning disputes over his compensation. If these contractual and financial issues can be amicably resolved, fans can anticipate a colossal showdown in 2024 that promises to be a spectacle in the boxing world.
The showdown between Ryan Garcia and Teofimo Lopez represents the collision of two rising stars in the world of boxing, each with their unique styles and fan followings. If the promoters and networks can find common ground, this bout has the potential to be one of the most talked-about fights in recent memory. As the Super Bowl Weekend approaches, all eyes will be on whether De La Hoya’s vision for this epic clash can become a reality, delivering a treat for boxing enthusiasts worldwide. Stay tuned for further updates on this exciting development.