Boxer Ryan Garcia`s plans for a swift return to the ring after his unexpected defeat to Rolando “Rolly” Romero face a delay. Multiple reports indicate that the 26-year-old fighter is scheduled to undergo surgery on his right hand.
According to initial reporting from Sports Illustrated, the hand injury occurred during Garcia`s training camp leading up to the May 2 bout against Romero in Times Square. Despite the injury, the California native opted to proceed with the fight, managing the pain with cortisone injections.
During the fight itself, Garcia appeared cautious, throwing an average of just 17.5 punches per round and a remarkably low total of 48 power punches. The overall punch volume for both fighters combined, at 123 out of 490 thrown, was noted as one of the lowest recorded in CompuBox history.
Garcia`s surgical procedure is reportedly scheduled for Wednesday morning. Dr. Stephen Shin, a renowned hand specialist who has previously operated on prominent boxers like Canelo Alvarez and Vasyl Lomachenko, is expected to perform the surgery. Garcia is anticipated to be sidelined for a minimum of six weeks during his recovery before he can resume training activities.
Prior discussions had involved a potential rematch between Garcia and Devin Haney later in the year. However, his recent loss to Romero may have altered those plans. Garcia`s promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, has suggested that his fighter might now be pursuing a rematch with Romero instead.