Boxing superstar Ryan Garcia is in hot water after Fanmio, a popular pay-per-view platform, filed a lawsuit against him and Golden Boy Promotions. The lawsuit, filed on January 25, 2024, is centered around a canceled fight that was supposed to take place in Japan on December 31, 2024. The fight was highly anticipated but was called off following Garcia’s claims of a hand injury sustained during training. However, the nature of this injury is now under scrutiny, as Fanmio suggests that Garcia may have feigned the injury to avoid fulfilling his contractual obligations.
The Controversial Cancellation
Fanmio is claiming significant losses from the canceled fight, estimating damages at over $1 million with potential lost profits amounting to a staggering $10 million. They argue that the marketability of the fight diminished due to Garcia’s withdrawal. When Garcia pulled out, he was already serving a one-year suspension for testing positive for a banned substance. As the fight in Japan could have provided him a platform to earn money despite his suspension, Fanmio believes that Golden Boy Promotions, led by Oscar De La Hoya, played a large role in sabotaging the event.
What Led to the Lawsuit?
The lawsuit not only claims breach of contract, but also suggests fraudulent misrepresentation by Garcia concerning his injury. Fanmio alleges that Golden Boy demanded excessive fees that interfered with the planned fight. This has raised questions around the legitimacy of the agreements between Garcia, Fanmio, and Golden Boy. In fact, the lawsuit mentions several disputes about the existence of an exclusive agreement controlling Garcia’s fights—an agreement that Fanmio claims they are entitled to as a third party.
Garcia’s Upcoming Fight
While all this legal drama unfolds, Garcia is gearing up for his next match against Rolly Romero, which is scheduled for May 2nd in Times Square. This will be his welterweight debut and he is reportedly set to earn a whopping $40 million for his next two fights. Despite his recent suspension, it appears that Garcia is looking to make a strong return to the boxing ring.
Fan Reactions and Speculations
The news of the lawsuit has sparked mixed reactions from boxing fans and analysts alike. Some are skeptical about Garcia’s intentions and the legitimacy of his injuries, especially since his upcoming fight with Romero is just around the corner. Shawn Porter, a former champion and boxing analyst, expresses a clear belief in the talents of other boxers like Devin Haney, hinting that these ongoing legal issues could impact Garcia’s reputation and future matches.
The Bigger Picture: Legal Implications in Boxing
This lawsuit is significant not just for Garcia, but for the boxing world as it raises questions about contract obligations and fighter commitments. The outcome could set important precedents regarding how promotional companies and fighters manage their contracts and engagements. Fans and industry insiders alike are watching closely to see how this situation unfolds and what it might mean for the future of boxing in America.