Sports
Ryan Garcia Undergoes Hand Surgery After Romero Defeat, Eyes Fall Comeback
Following a controversial loss to Rolly Romero, boxing star Ryan Garcia undergoes surgery on his right hand—an injury that may have affected his performance. His return is expected in the fall with a potential rematch in sight.
Ryan Garcia, the 26-year-old boxing sensation, has officially undergone surgery on his right hand following his May 2 loss to Rolando “Rolly” Romero—a fight in which, according to his manager, he was already nursing the injury. The procedure was performed by Dr. Steven Shin, a top hand specialist known for treating elite fighters like Canelo Álvarez and Vasyl Lomachenko, as confirmed by multiple sources.
Garcia’s manager and attorney, Guadalupe Valencia, admitted that the injury was a factor in the underwhelming performance during the 12-round bout. Despite getting knocked down in the second round and looking unusually hesitant, Garcia managed to go the distance but lost by unanimous decision. “Yes, his injury was a problem during the Romero fight,” Valencia told reporters. “But that is in the past, and we don’t want to make excuses.”
Sports Illustrated revealed that the injury occurred during training camp, and Garcia had to take multiple cortisone shots just to make it to fight night. His output reflected his physical limitations — averaging only 17.5 punches per round, half his normal activity, and throwing just 48 power punches, which is among the lowest ever recorded in a 12-round bout by CompuBox.
Despite the setback, there is optimism in Garcia’s camp. Valencia stated that recovery will take four to six weeks, and the fighter could resume training soon after. “He is feeling good and positive and will be back in the fall,” he added. Garcia himself acknowledged the toll this year has taken. “I think the whole year took a lot off my body physically and mentally,” he said. “I’m just thankful I made it to the ring and went 12 rounds.”
The injury comes amid ongoing uncertainty about Garcia’s next steps. The former lightweight contender had previously secured a dramatic majority-decision victory over Devin Haney, only to see it overturned due to a positive drug test for Ostarine, a banned substance. While Saudi boxing backer Turki Alalshikh expressed interest in a Haney rematch, Garcia’s team appears to be leaning toward a second bout with Romero instead.
Garcia’s promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, reinforced that view. “Right now, we just need his hand to heal. There are several options, but Romero is the right move,” he told FightHype. De La Hoya also ruled out any immediate bout with Haney, stating there’s “zero interest” in that fight at this point.
As Garcia takes the time to heal and recalibrate, fans and insiders alike are left speculating: will a fully healthy Ryan Garcia redeem his recent loss, or will the injury and recent controversies cast a longer shadow over his once-undefeated rise?