Ryan Garcia Vs. Isaac Cruz Is Risky – Here’s Why?

Ryan Garcia is reportedly in talks to fight Isaac Cruz for the WBC Interim Junior Welterweight Belt, as we look at whether this is the right move. 

Garcia is looking to bounce back after his last fight, where he lost a unanimous decision to Rolando Romero. Ryan was the heavy favorite, but he could not deliver, who knew Ryan well having sparred him numerous times. Garcia stated that he injured his hand during camp, which was the reason why he did not let his hands go. Although he underwent surgery on his hand, it could also have been due to the fact Romero dropped him in round two with a counter left hook. Despite being linked with the Romero rematch, Cruz has now been mentioned. 

This Cruz fight is a dangerous one for Garcia. Cruz is a relentless, come-forward fighter with a solid chin and a high work rate. His nickname “Pitbull” is well-earned; he applies constant pressure and fights on the inside, which is the exact opposite of what Garcia does best. Garcia thrives when he can keep his distance and land his devastating left hook, but Cruz’s style will force him into a dog fight, where Garcia’s defensive flaws and questionable chin could be exposed. Garcia has been dropped by Luke Campbell, Gervonta Davis and Rolando Romero. Cruz possesses the power to do the same.

Challenges

Garcia is also navigating a turbulent period both inside and outside the ring. The no-contest against Devin Haney due to a failed drug test for Ostarine has not only tarnished his reputation but also led to a suspension. This means his last win was against Oscar Duarte in December 2023. 

There are also ongoing disputes with his promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, and Oscar De La Hoya. Garcia has said Oscar disrespected him with a poor Romero offer for the rematch, while De La Hoya also now wants the Teofimo Lopez bout. The final reason this is a bad fight for Garcia is the risk-reward ratio. Cruz is a respected and tough fighter, but he isn’t a superstar on the same level as a Devin Haney or a Teofimo Lopez.

While a win over Cruz would be a good step, a loss could be catastrophic. Losing to him would not only mark Garcia’s third straight setback (one a no-contest, one a loss, and now a potential second loss) but also further solidify the perception that he cannot compete at the highest level. The path to a big-money fight or a rematch with Haney or Tank Davis becomes much more difficult with another loss on his record.