Ryan Garcia Said No To Jake Paul – ‘$100 Million Or A World Title’

Garcia Reacts

Garcia addressed skepticism from the boxing community—including “GWOAT” Claressa Shields, who had publicly questioned if such a high offer was legitimate. Garcia confirmed a proposal worth upwards of $20 million was on the table. Despite the Paul fight being “easy money,” Garcia opted for a shot at the WBC welterweight title against Mario Barrios, as they will face off on February 21. 

“Claressa wants to say that it was cap that I was offered 20 to 25 million to fight Jake Paul and that we turned it down. You can go ask my lawyer, Lupe, that was handling that deal. Go ask him. I was offered that money. But guess what? I chose to fight Mario Barrios. So that kind of answers your question. $100 million or a world title. It really does matter what my instincts were, and my instincts were to go fight for the world title,” Garcia said 

Garcia’s Mindset

Garcia has plenty to prove, given his last performance. He suffered a shock defeat to Rolando Romero last May, which was his second loss. The defeat came after a year suspension for failing VADA tests for Ostarine following his no-contest against Devin Haney. Garcia admitted he did not have a great camp, neglecting the steps needed for a disciplined athlete. Now, he has vowed to offer a better version of himself.

“So he’s one of those guys that comes to fight and we’re going to have a great one on our hands. So he just seemed like the right person. “It’s definitely the belt, too…I’m coming to take that and he’s the champion. He got to defend it and that’s why we’re here.

At the end of the day, that Rolly camp was just a hard one to get by. I was doing a lot of stupid sh-t, not treating my body like a temple before that — obviously had a year layoff — but it’s okay. It’s behind us, I positioned my body to be in top form. I feel in top form, top shape and that’s what he’s going to get — the best version of me,” Garcia stated