The relationship between Ryan Garcia and Saul "Canelo" Alvarez has seen its share of ups and downs. From a strong partnership as stablemates to a temporary fallout, their story reflects the complexities of professional boxing and personal growth.
The Early Years: A Strong Bond in the Gym
Ryan Garcia and Canelo Alvarez formed a strong relationship throughout the years training alongside each other under the auspices of touted coach Eddy Reynoso. From 2018 to 2021, Garcia was 5-0 with 5 KOs as Alvarez’s stablemate.
The Split: Garcia's Departure from Team Canelo
In 2021, Garcia took a break from boxing to tend to mental health issues, and by the time his next fight came around, Garcia had moved on from Team Canelo to form a union with trainer Joe Goossen. Garcia had walked out on the Mexican's camp after feeling that Eddy Reynoso had almost no time for him, so he decided to part ways with Canelo's training team, with which he had been with for five years.
Verbal Sparring and Potential Feud
As the heavy fire came in verbally, Garcia admitted that he was fed up with the shocking criticism. But as time went by, it seemed that the separation had not been on the best terms, because when Canelo was going to fight, Garcia used to support the Jalisco fighter's rivals. It seemed as though a feud was potentially forming as Canelo returned the favor in Garcia's fight against Gervonta Davis, which he lost by knockout in seventh round via a body shot, but now it appears all is calm.
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Reconciliation and Mutual Respect
Before bestowing the coaching keys of his career to James, Garcia considered a reunion with Reynoso. Alvarez said Reynoso would need to evaluate a lot of things but he would ultimately support his lifelong confidant’s decision. Although a reunion never materialized, Garcia says he’s set past differences aside with his former camp.
Ryan Garcia indicated that things between him and Saul "Canelo" Alvarez are fine, that there are no hard feelings between them after he quit the team in 2022, ahead of return to the ring to face Oscar Duarte. The 25-year-old has spoken with Reynoso and that there are no hard feelings, according to reports, and in addition, he said he was happy for Canelo to remain the champion.
“Business, or whatever [Alvarez] wants to do, for sure. We definitely are cool now,” Garcia told BoxingScene.com in an interview. “I've talked to Eddy [Reynoso] and everything is all squashed. I have no hard feelings for them. I spent a lot of time in that gym and we have a lot of great memories. It's sad to think about sometimes because of all of the fun times we had but that's how life is. You have to go through new chapters. I'm so happy for Canelo and I want him to keep dominating and being the champion that I saw in the gym every day. I'm happy for him.”
Garcia's Support for Canelo
In September, Garcia was ringside in Las Vegas to watch Alvarez’s dominant unanimous decision win against Jermell Charlo. “Canelo is a global superstar, and he can do what he wants, in his own ways. What can I say? He's done everything in the sport and he's doing really good,” said Garcia. “He fought really well against Jermell. He looked like he was back to himself, so I just tip my cap off to Canelo."
Garcia's New Chapter with Derrick James
Garcia’s run with Goossen lasted three fights and ended after the 25-year-old’s April knockout loss to Gervonta Davis. Garcia (23-1, 19 KOs) has since linked up with reigning trainer of the year Derrick James, and the duo will make their debut on Dec. 2 against Oscar Duarte (26-1-1, 21 KOs) at the Toyota Center in Houston on DAZN.
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Key Moments in the Canelo-Garcia Relationship
| Period | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-2021 | Training Together | Garcia trains with Canelo under Eddy Reynoso, achieving a 5-0 record with 5 KOs. |
| 2021 | Garcia's Departure | Garcia leaves Team Canelo, citing lack of attention from Reynoso and focusing on mental health. |
| Post-Departure | Verbal Sparring | Tensions rise as Garcia appears to support Canelo's opponents. |
| Present | Reconciliation | Garcia and Canelo reconcile, expressing mutual respect and support. |
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