Ryan Garcia’s first public comments since his May 2 loss to Rolando “Rolly” Romero were meant to explain, but they ignited backlash instead. Posting on X, the 24-year-old disclosed a year-long battle with alcoholism and “bipolar depression disorder,” conditions he says shadowed him into Times Square that night. Many supporters, however, blasted the admission as excuse-making rather than accountability, arguing that boxing demands resilience, not rationalization.
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Garcia had earned a reported $20 million for the bout yet showed little appetite for revenge in his statement. Fans accustomed to warriors seeking immediate payback bristled at the absence of a rematch vow - especially with Romero viewed as a vulnerable WBA “regular” welterweight champion likely to surrender his belt against elite 147-pound contenders.
Critics contend the hefty purse and emotional toll have dulled Garcia’s competitive fire, turning the once-relentless “KingRy” into a pacifist content to watch from the sidelines. His supporters counter that acknowledging mental-health struggles could chart a path to recovery - and, ultimately, redemption in the ring. For now, Garcia stands in a rare space: both transparent and under fire, applauded for honesty yet pressed for action.
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