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      Manny Pacquiao comes out of retirement aged 46 for incredible world title fight for belt targeted by Conor Benn

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      MANNY PACQUIAO has come out of retirement at the age of 46 and is targeting a world title belt, it has been claimed.The Filipino boxer last fought back in 2021, a defeat to Yordenis Ugas, but is now gearing up for a huge welterweight clash against Mario Barrios for his next title defence.Manny Pacquiao is set to come out of retirement for a shot at a world championship beltCredit: GettyDespite running a campaign for a Senator of the Philippines, Pacquiao will return to the ring in JulyCredit: GettyHowever, WBC chief Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed the return of the ring legend when speaking to Boxing King Media in Saudi Arabia.He said: “At this time, Mario Barrios is going to face Manny Pacquiao in July. He (Pacquiao) wants to retire as the welterweight champion, so he’s fighting in the welterweight division.”Asked why Pacquiao was being allowed to come straight out of retirement and have a shot at a title, Sulaiman explained it was because the WBC have written rules stating a notable former champion could request a title fight coming out of retirement.He referenced Sugar Ray Leonard being retired for four years when he came out of retirement to fight Marvin Hagler, a fight which he won.READ MORE IN BOXINGSulaiman said: “We do have that provision in the rules. A legendary champion with the credentials of Pacquiao [can fight].”He has been medically cleared and licensed, so we have voted in favour to allow that fight to happen.”Pacquiao’s advisor, Sean Gibbons, had denied his sensational boxing comeback in an interview with Action Network explaining that he was fully focused on his election campaign as a Senator of the Philippines In an interview published on Friday, he said: ” There is no Manny Pacquiao fights (scheduled for this year). These reports on fighting Mario Barrios are not right. Most read in BoxingBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”Manny Pacquiao is running for Senator of the Philippines on May 12. He has another election after he’s done with this election. After, he’ll decide if he wants the box again. “That’s it, the election is the most important thing in his life not boxing. There’s been discussion for the last year and a half about fighting Mario Barrios. Chris Eubank Sr held my hand in hospital and told me I’m the superior fighter, says defeated Conor Benn”I have no idea why (there is speculation about a fight between Pacquiao and Barrios).”A world championship welterweight belt is eventually being eyed by British boxer Conor Benn, despite his recent defeat to Chris Eubank Jr at middleweight.Benn flew out to New York City in the United States to see Ryan Garcia take on Rolando Romero in Times Square, ending in a shock points loss for Garcia.Despite not fighting at welterweight for three years now, Benn had said he would “happily” fight Garcia when speaking ahead of the bout. More

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      Ryan Garcia vs Rolly Romero LIVE RESULTS: King Ry DROPPED in shock defeat as Haney and Lopez win at Times Square

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      RYAN GARCIA was DROPPED by Rolando Romero as he suffered a shock defeat in Times Square.Garcia headlined the huge bill in his return from drug ban, but Rolly Romero caused a SHOCK upset to leave Garcia’s mooted rematch with Devin Haney hanging in the balance.Haney had earlier kept up his end of the bargain with a win over Jose Carlos Ramirez.Teofimo Lopez also retained his WBO super-lightweight title against Arnold Barboza Jr.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Rematch next?After Ryan Garcia’s defeat and a poor showing from Devin Haney, the appetite for a blockbuster rematch hit a couple of huge obstacles last night. The first match was one of the best of 2024 and was mired in controversy, but fight fans may not want to see these two share a ring together after such poor performances.However, contracts have already been signed for Volume II and Rolly Romero is one person who thinks Haney and Garcia should fight.He said: “I think Devin and Ryan should get their rematch and make a big one.”Asked about his own immediate future, Romero was less clear and added: “Man, I ain’t even thinking about what’s next.”Copy linkCopied’He didn’t open up’Rolando Romero pulled off a huge upset win on Friday night, sending Ryan Garcia to the canvas in the second round with a beautiful left hook.Rolly later said that the shot had Garcia scared the rest of the fight.”The one time he opened up I cracked him and he didn’t open up at all the rest of the fight,” he said.”They’re always going to underestimate me because I’m not one of these prospects that started boxing, that had a following, all that stuff.”They’re fresh out of the amateurs, they’ve promoted them, ‘Oh, this is the next big thing yada, yada, yada.'”At the end of it, I’ve done this three times in three different divisions.”Copy linkCopiedHaney and Ramirez stinkerDevin Haney and Jose Ramirez weren’t just bad on the eye, they stunk up the stat sheet as well.CompuBox has been recording fights for around 40 years and their stats show just how historically bad this fight was.The two fighters landed a combined 110 punches, the FOURTH FEWEST ever in a 12-round fight.Ramirez landed just 40 shots in the whole fight, with neither man finding their target more than eight times in a single round.Hall of Fame commentator Jim Lampley said: “A whole year has gone by, and I think this is a hangover from the Ryan Garcia fight.”He is flinching, he is still having nightmares about Garcia’s left hooks.”He later added: “If ever there was a fight capable of inducing a nap in Times Square, it would be this one.”For comparison, Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn landed a combined 582 punches in their war a week earlier – five times more.Copy linkCopied’The judges are asleep’The boxing world has not been kind to Devin Haney and Jose Ramirez – with their social media posts much more entertaining than the fight itself. Conor Benn said: “The judges won’t have a scorecard because [they’re] all asleep.”Dillian Whyte wrote: “This Haney fight is trash, I can’t believe I stayed up for this.”Jack Catterall added: “Tell you what, I get called boring but this makes me look like a prime Marvin Hagler.”And Dillon Danis: “Devin Haney really put the city that never sleeps to sleep.”Copy linkCopiedBad night for OscarIt was a tough night for Oscar de la Hoya.His fighters on the night – Ryan Garcia, Arnold Barboza Jr and Jose Ramirez – all lost as Golden Boy Promotions went 0-3.Barboza and Ramirez have since been dragged for their performances, with both fighters really struggling to perform.Copy linkCopiedConor Benn not impressedConor Benn flew out to New York City’s Times Square to watch the massive bill as a fight with Ryan Garcia had been an option for the Brit.Benn had previously expressed an interest in that fight.But Benn, who lost his war with Chris Eubank Jr last week, was left extremely unimpressed by what he saw.Asked by iFL TV about the performance, Benn responded: “I didn’t think it was great. “Very disappointing performance. “It was terrible.”Then asked if he still wanted to fight Garcia, Benn said: “No, I don’t think so.”Copy linkCopiedGarcia arrivalIn case you missed it – and way before a humbling defeat – Ryan Garcia arrived for the fight in a BATMOBILE.Garcia wasn’t driving the car – which was used by Michael Keaton in Tim Burton’s Batman (1989) and Batman Return’s (1992).Copy linkCopiedGarcia TearsVideo has emerged of Ryan Garcia with his head in hands and in TEARS in his car after his defeat to Rolly Romero. He later posted a message on social media that read: “First want to Thank God for everything in every situation.”I couldn’t do it tonight, I’m devastated and really sad that I fought the way I did. “I just didn’t have it tonight felt off I fought a lot to get here, as you know what I went thru last year was something a lot of people don’t come back from. So I can see a victory for me in that. “Congratulations to Rollies, Hell of a dude and great hearted person wish you nothing but the best. “I love you all and thank you for everything.”Copy linkCopiedRomero sends Garcia plans crashing to the canvasThis was billed as huge return to the ring for Ryan Garcia after his one-year ban.However, after the fight all people were talking about was the performance of Rolly Romero.The highlight of the fight was Romero landing a hook on Garcia and following up with another on his way down.Rolly fully deserved his victory in Times Square.Copy linkCopiedDevin not showing flareDespite his unanimous win on the card this evening against Jose Ramirez, he needs to up his game far more going forward.His tactic seemed to be to keep away from his opponent and his constant moving around the ring made him a difficult target.Haney showed his attacking intent too little and was not putting in the sort of performance from his previous fight with Garcia.Copy linkCopiedFormer pro getting love from crowdShannon Biggs was a an easy figure to spot in a crowd.Fans were looking for selfies with the former big-hitter.There are plenty of stars in attendence of this Times Square triple main event this evening.Copy linkCopiedLopez adding spice to cardThe best fight in Times Square this evening seemed to be Teofimo Lopez vs Arnold Barboza Jr.Both fighters got on the front foot whenever they could and were landing some good shots.Barboza had some power behind his blows but Lopez outboxed him through the fight and exploding into bursts of combinations.However, Lopez got an impressive win against a tricky opponent.Copy linkCopiedGarcia gent in defeatRyan Garcia had nothing but respect for Rolly Romero.Immediately after their fight he embraced his opponent.Speaking with DAZN afterwards it was evident that he had a lot of time for the performance of his opponent and that he had deserved victory in the ring.Copy linkCopiedVenue proves popular with fansUnder the bright lights of Times Square, the event as a whole seemed to be a success.While some of the bouts did not live up to the billing, there was no discontent from the fans.It was some backdrop to have to the boxing this evening.Copy linkCopiedRomero steals limelight in New YorkWhile everyone is wondering is Garcia will still have his rematch, based on what we have seen tonight, Romero versus Haney could be a better fight.With Haney and Garcia contractually committed to a rematch, it is unlikely we will get the fight we want.Garcia will have to have some training campt beforehand to get back to where he was when they last met.Copy linkCopiedGarcia left wanting in the ringSpeaking after the fight Ryan Garcia said that the year out of the ring has taken its toll on him and how Rolly Romero fought a good fight.It seems that the knockdown in the second round really affected him despite getting straight to his feet.It is back to the drawing board and while many people were looking forward to a Ryan Garcia vs Devin Haney rematch, they may not be so much now after the two boxers performances tonight.Copy linkCopiedWinner man of few wordsSpeaking with DAZN after his win, Romero answered questions on his win and next opponent:I just like to thank Jesus Christ, our lord and saviour, this is his win. How many knockdowns did we see in the fight? He is a warrior and he got back up. I haven’t thought about my next fight, I think Ryan and Devin should have their rematch.Rolly RomeroCopy linkCopiedRolly Romero wins by unanimous decisionCopy linkCopiedRyan Garcia vs Rolly Romero (Round 12)Romero leaps out of his corner, raring to go for the final round.Garcia just seems to have no drive to throw any punches still.You have to wonder whether being dropped in the second round has completely knocked the boxer out of him tonight.Romero keeps working his jab to the body and his slowing the pace of the fight really tilted it in his favour.Copy linkCopiedRyan Garcia vs Rolly Romero (Round 11)Romero is getting this job done in the latter rounds.His corner have obviously told him that he is probably up on the card.It has been a real flat performance from Garcia.He seems to wary of the power of Rolly’s counter punches.Copy linkCopiedRyan Garcia vs Rolly Romero (Round 10)Garcia really need to show something in these final three rounds.Nothing seems to be changing and he is still boxing on the counter.This is not what we expected to see from Garcia’s return, you think he should be letting his hands go more.Rolly lands a good hook to the body that his opponent definitely felt.Romero loses his footing trying a big roundhouse right hand but not able to land it.Copy linkCopiedRyan Garcia vs Rolly Romero (Round 9)When Romero gets on the front foot and drives at Garcia he seems to have the chance to get some real joy.On the back foot, Garcia does not seem to be able to weather the storm.Weirdly, Romero gets to a point and then stops letting his hands go.Another round Rolly has probably just edged there.Copy linkCopiedRyan Garcia vs Rolly Romero (Round 8)Garcia still seems to be fighting on the counter.This approach is not doing enough for him, many of the jabs are not landing.Romero comes forward with a little frenzy, trying to get some big hooks off but nothing connecting.Copy linkCopiedRyan Garcia vs Rolly Romero (Round 7)We are getting to the stage where Garcia needs to do something big.Many of the pudits do not feel has got back from that knockdown still.If this fight goes the distance, he needs to start trying to win more rounds.Copy linkCopiedRyan Garcia vs Rolly Romero (Round 6)Romero seems the more aggressive in that round.He is coming forward more and looking to land big punches.The AI judge has Garcia leading this on the scorecard.Who are we to question our soon-to-be new overlords after all.Copy linkCopied More

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      Ryan Garcia vs Rolly Romero LIVE RESULTS: Card updates as Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez feature on Times Square bill

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      SOME of boxing’s biggest names feature on tonight’s blockbuster Times Square show.Ryan Garcia headlines the huge bill as King Ryan returns from his drug ban to face Rolly Romero in New York City.Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez also feature on the huge card as they face Jose Ramirez and Arnold Barboza Jr. respectively.Should Garcia and Haney both have hands raised in Times Square, the plan is for the two to face off in a stunning rematch after their last bout was ruled a non-contest.Garcia vs Romero time: 2am BST/9pm ET (approx)TV/Stream: DAZNCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Teofimo Lopez vs Arnold Barboza Jr (Round 8)Lopez is very agile and moving around the ring.He is trying to make himself a moving target for Barboza.Then he looks to surprise him with a quick attack.Having won so many of the rounds so far, the pressure is on Baraboza to take the fight to Lopez.Copy linkCopiedTeofimo Lopez vs Arnold Barboza Jr (Round 7)Barboza is struggling to get inside to get his shots off.Lopez comes over the top with a right and catches his opponent.The eye Barboza seems to be starting to swell a little.Copy linkCopiedTeofimo Lopez vs Arnold Barboza Jr (Round 6)Barboza got himself back into this fight more in this one.The pundits do not see many rounds having gone to Barboza so far but that might be the first one.He caught Lopez well with a counter right hand that has caused a cut to the eye of the champion.Copy linkCopiedTeofimo Lopez vs Arnold Barboza JrTwo rounds have passed in this encounter which has Lopez’s WBO super-lightweight belt on the line. An aggressive start from Teo, who is operating with a more purposeful combination work in a lot of traffic in the middle of the ring. Copy linkCopiedGarcia is in the building…or in the vicinity of it, as we are outdoors after all, where fighters need taxis to get to the main stage. The main event is scheduled for 1am BST (5pm PT, 6pm CT, 8pm ET). Copy linkCopiedReito Tsutsumi UD6 Levale WhittingtonFor a pair of fighters boasting a combined three-match experience log, the display from the two was far beyond in skill and canvas craft.22-year-old Tsutsumi probed Whittington with more purposeful intent, working his American opponent on several occasions with the true power to threaten a knockout, landing twice the punches. At the end of the fifth round, Whittington’s trainer described his performance as one who “looked like someone stole their puppy.”The Japanese talent who aims to go far in the sport stood out in his first outing, as the judges’ scores were 60-54, 60-54 and 58-56-108. We now enter our stretch of key three main fights, starting with Arnold Barboza Jr. and Teofimo Lopez. Copy linkCopiedView from the groundHere’s how the streets of the fight location are looking from our very own Israel Salas-Rodriguez, including Arnold Barboza Jr. arrival: Copy linkCopiedFight Night readingIncludes a pair of exclusives with Teofimo Lopez and Ryan Garcia: Copy linkCopiedBattle of the BadgesWe’ve seen our first winner of the night… Action was opened up by the understated Battle of the Badges clash as amateur pair, New York firefighter James Gennari and an NYPD officer, Joel Allen went at it in the three-round affair with the former coming out on top.Ring ambassador Reito Tsutsumi makes his pro debut next. Copy linkCopiedPacquiao RETURNSElsewhere, a living legend continues to make headlines as the 46-year-old aims to make a return to the ring since… 2021. Copy linkCopiedTimes Square card Here’s how our bill is looking for tonight; Garcia, who returns to action after serving a year-long drug suspension, will dust-up in the main event with Rolando Romero.Copy linkCopiedPart IEvening and welcome to the first day of three fantasticly set-up nights of boxing weekend ahead with a bit of everything for the sport’s connoisseur. The best two in the business, Canelo Álvarez and Naoya Inoue, will contend in sport’s growing hotbeds, Riyadh and Vegas, but we start in New York as Ryan Garcia and co headline a monumental bill. The card, like most of boxing’s big nights nowadays, has been organised by The Ring Magazine and its chief Saudi matchmaker Turki Alalshikh. Their aim has been simple from the offset: to transcend the sport past its traditional barriers, and will accomplish that as the outdoor conditions of Times Squares host the event. The streets of Manhattan will bear viewing for free as screens will be plastered around, with a select few being able to watch ringside. “This is going to be very difficult for every single fighter,” said promoter Oscar De La Hoya at Thursday’s weigh-in. “As you can imagine, there will be people everywhere, distractions everywhere.”Stay tuned for all the night’s latest.Copy linkCopied More

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      Team GB Olympic champion boxer Luke Campbell becomes first mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire for Reform UK

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      FORMER Olympic gold medallist Luke Campbell has become the first mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire.Campbell, who won boxing gold at the London 2012 games, was voted in as the new mayor for Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party in today’s local council elections.Former boxer Luke Campbell has become the first mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire, representing Nigel Farage’s Reform UK partyCredit: GettyThe 37-year-old retired southpaw has swapped the boxing ring for a career in politics after 24 fights as a bantamweight puncher.He becomes the first mayor of the devolved local government body covering the city of Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire – representing more then 610,000 people with over £13million of annual government funding.As head of the combined authority, Campbell will serve for four years – making decisions on housing, public transport, infrastructure, economic development, business, skills and regeneration.Campbell, who is a local lad from Hull, received 48,491 votes in East Yorkshire, putting him 10,981 ballots ahead of Liberal Democrat Mike Ross in second.READ MORE IN SPORTReform UK leader Nigel Farage had predicted that Campbell would sweep the vote in Hull and East Yorkshire, but the former Olympian was still making pleas for everyone to vote on social media today.While Reform’s deputy leader Richard Tice gushed about the boxer-turned-politician.He told the BBC: “He’ll have a common sense approach to bringing people together and a bullish vision for Hull and East Yorkshire.”The sport of boxing requires courage, tenacity, bravery, which Luke has in huge abundance.Most read in BoxingCampbell won Olympic gold at London 2012Credit: Getty Images – GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”He will rise to the challenge, he’ll have good people around him and he’ll be very successful.”Campbell, who retired from boxing in 2021, only announced he would be running for mayor in late February.Garcia makes boxing history while Canelo seals the deal in the desert | Split Decision – Sun SportThe former Dancing on Ice competitor, who received an MBE in 2013, spoke about being “truly humbled and honoured” in his victory speech.While he recently discussed the reasons behind his unusual foray into politics.He told the Yorkshire Post: “The only thing that inspired me to stand forward was the potential good I could do for my community.“Hull and East Yorkshire gave me everything, they supported me my whole career.“I want to give back, I’m one of the people of this region and I want to stand up and fight for what the people want.”Reform UK has sent shockwaves through the political establishment after an extraordinary by-election win and seizing full control of seven county councils.Campbell and his dog took to the polling stations this morning to voteCredit: Getty More

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      Tyson Fury given fresh hope of Oleksandr Usyk trilogy as rival agrees to Gypsy King’s blunt fight demands

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      OLEKSANDR USYK has agreed to one of Tyson Fury’s demands for a trilogy fight.The slick southpaw became the first undisputed heavyweight champion in nearly 25 years last May with a split-decision victory over the Gypsy King in their first Saudi showdown.Tyson Fury suffered back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk last yearCredit: REUTERSFury retired in the wake of both losses but has since called for a trilogy fight with the UkrainianCredit: PAUsyk has agreed to one of Fury’s demands for a third fightCredit: GETTYUsyk, 38, won the pair’s Riyadh rematch last December more emphatically, with the judges handing him a unanimous decision victory.Fury, 36, fumed at the outcome of both fights, which he recently vented about on social media.Commenting on an Instagram post, he wrote: “Beat the f***er two times and the world knows the truth.”Any time, any place [sucker]. UK next time. 100,000 people.”READ MORE ON FURYFury’s mentioning of “100,000 people” was a clear call for him to have a third showdown with Usyk at Wembley Stadium.And the undefeated Ukrainian is willing to grant his wish, if he really has come out of his latest retirement.Boxing’s pound-for-pound king told talkSPORT: “If Tyson Fury back with his career, maybe we organise one more fight.”No problem, I’m ready. Wembley, [or Old Trafford] yes.”Most read in BoxingJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSFury announced his fifth retirement from boxing just a matter of weeks after his second-straight loss to Usyk.But he appeared to perform a U-turn earlier this week in a video with his head coach, Sugarhill Steward. Tyson Fury links up with his boxing coach in biggest hint Gypsy King is making comebackHe said: “Just in the gym, I bump into somebody you might know.”Steward declared: “We’re back guys, you know what time it is.”The Wythenshawe warrior added: “You know what’s coming.”Before Usyk can think about sharing the ring with Fury again, he has the small matter of a July 19 rematch with Daniel Dubois for all the heavyweight marbles.And he’s determined to become a two-time undisputed king of the heavyweights in style.He said: “I’m grateful to God for the opportunity to once again fight for the undisputed championship.”Thank you, Daniel, for taking care of my IBF belt – now I want it back.”Oleksandr Usyk will renew his rivalry with Daniel Dubois at Wembley on July 19Credit: GETTY More

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      Why Teofimo Lopez feels like he’s gone back in a time machine by sharing card with rivals Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia

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      TEOFIMO LOPEZ feels like he has gone back in time by sharing a fight card with all old amateur rivals.Lopez features on the remarkable three-bout bill on Friday night, staged in the centre of New York’s Times Square. Teofimo Lopez returns to face Arnold Barboza JrCredit: GettyLopez was shoved by Barboza in the build upCredit: GettyThe WBO super-lightweight world champion, 27, defends his belt against Arnold Barboza Jr.Also in action is Devin Haney, returning after a year out to face Jose Ramirez Jr, up in weight at a 144lb catchweight clash. And headlining is the return of Ryan Garcia against former sparring rival Rolando Romero.READ MORE IN boxing Tempers have threatened to boil over in the build-up to the never-before-seen card in the Big Apple. After all, they know each other all too well having come up in the amateur circuit together where they would often fight alongside each other. Lopez told SunSport: “We all know each other from like the amateurs. That’s what it feels like right now.”It feels like we’re in a national tournament. Only thing is that the stage got bigger. Most read in Boxing”The people know us a bit more and what else can I say? It’s a historic event. But other than that, it’s, no pressure, no rivalry, just entertainment.” CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSGarcia is back after serving a one-year drugs ban for testing testing positive for ostarine – known to boost muscle growth – after fighting Haney.The initial victory – which included three knockdowns – was chalked off and turned into a no-contest. Why Devin Haney was ‘smiling ear to ear’ and Teofimo Lopez ‘loved’ Chris Eubank Jr’s emotional reunion with his dadBut a rematch is already planned between the two for October. Garcia said: “I think that he has a great chance to beat Ramirez. Ramirez is a little past his prime. So I expect both of us to win, for sure.”I have no idea how he’s gonna go about himself. I just know that I was in his head the first time.”It’s hard to look past getting dropped three times, I mean, you have to address that within yourself. So I don’t know how he’s gonna handle that.” Haney bluntly hit back: “Right now it’s not time for me to speak on that. Right now my main focus is Jose Ramirez and focusing on Jose.”We’ll get to that Ryan fight after this one, but right now I put all my attention, all my focus on Jose Ramirez because he’s a live dog. He’s coming to fight.”That’s my main focus right now.”Read More on The SunWatch the full episode of The Sun’s Split Decision featuring exclusive interviews with Canelo Alvarez, Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney.Garcia and Haney’s rivalry dates back to their six amateur boutsCredit: XGarcia headlines against Rolando RomeroCredit: RexHaney returns against Jose RamirezCredit: Alamy More

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      Ryan Garcia feared losing his kids at height of mental health battle but returns to boxing with chance of redemption

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      RYAN GARCIA feared losing his kids at the height of his public mental health breakdown – but returning to boxing is his chance of redemption.The American superstar has spoken honestly in the past about struggling with depression at times in his career. Ryan Garcia drinks from a beer bottle before his fight with Devin HaneyCredit: AlamyGarcia shares daughter Bela and son Henry with ex-wife Andrea CelinaCredit: INSTAGRAMGarcia with his first-born daughter RylieCredit: INSTAGRAMAfter beating Luke Campbell in 2021, Garcia took 15 months out of the ring to deal with personal problems behind the scenes. But his fight outside the ring threatened to derail his career before facing Devin Haney in New York last year. Garcia was openly drinking and admitting to smoking cannabis in the build-up to the bout, partying throughout his training camp. Mixed in with worrying social media outbursts and conspiracies, fans and even his loved ones grew concerned for Garcia. READ MORE IN boxingAmazingly, the troubled boxer made it to the ring and beat Haney in a shock upset, only for the result to be overturned after a failed drug test. Now Garcia is back after accepting a one-year suspension – but thankfully turned his life around during the 12 months out.He told SunSport: “That route I was on is not sustainable as a professional athlete. “You can’t be going about things in that manner as a professional and just changing my whole mindset, making sure that I get back to being the best fighter I can be and the best athlete I can be and that was the switch that I made.” Most read in BoxingGarcia revealed he hit his lowest point last June after trashing a Los Angeles hotel room – causing £11,000 worth of damage. He was arrested and charged with one misdemeanour count of vandalism – and feared he would lose his three children in the process. Ryan Garcia says his one-year-old son is already a champion in the making… and has his famous left hookGarcia, who went to counselling, revealed: “I mean, as a father you’ve always got to be thinking about what examples you’re giving to your children.”And I think as a mature man, you have to realise your mistakes and make changes, no matter how they come about.”And I think that’s important. I love my kids and I love my family and making sure that I’m a great example for them is a huge priority for me.”So, I cannot be making those type of mistakes and I take responsibility and I’m ready to show them how great their daddy really is.”Garcia shares his eldest daughter Rylie with ex-girlfriend Catherine Gamez and has Bela with his former wife Andrea Celina.And in December 2023, he welcomed son Henry into the world with Andrea, who he remains close with as they parent together.The Garcia clan rolled into New York ahead of his return fight against Rolando Romero tonight – with boxing allowing him a second chance. Garcia with his son HenryCredit: INSTAGRAMGarcia feared losing his kids in the height of his mental health battleCredit: INSTAGRAMGarcia with his eldest RylieCredit: INSTAGRAMGarcia said: “It’s everything, that’s my career. This is my livelihood, this is how I support my family.”And obviously it’s really important for me to be the best I could possibly be if I’m not that, then it’ll be hard to do anything else.”Garcia – who claimed he was drinking on the week of his fight with Haney – has cut out and traded any damaging vices. He said: “I’m just playing chess. Playing video games, playing golf, honestly.”A clip of Garcia’s woeful driving on the golf course emerged on social media and he laughed: “Yeah, that was bad, right? “But I gotta find some type of hobby, so it is what it is, just enjoying my time with the people around me and that’s it, living the life.”Garcia, 26, dropped Haney, also 26, three times in Brooklyn last April on the way to a surprise points win off the back of his turbulent prepration. Garcia says he was partying in the days before fighting HaneyCredit: FightHype Haney was dropped three times but Garcia’s win was overturned amid the failed testCredit: GettyBut the result was chalked off after Garcia tested positive for ostarine – known to boost muscle growth. He had returned clean tests with VADA in the build-up to the bout and his team blamed contaminated supplements for the positive result.But the positive tests were taken on the day of and 24 hours before the bout at the Barclays Center.Garcia, who was also fined nearly £1million, said: “At the end of the day, I know I didn’t cheat.”I’ll take the ban for a year and that keeps it moving fast. Everybody knows that I didn’t take it.”I know my team, we know we didn’t take anything, so honestly it doesn’t really matter to me at the end of the day.”People are gonna believe whatever they want to believe, they’re gonna believe I’m innocent, the large majority do believe that, so who cares?”Garcia is back in boxing after serving a drugs ban and turning around his mental healthCredit: GettyGarcia says he is better ‘mentally and physically’Credit: RexGarcia returns to top a stunning three-fight card in Times Square against former sparring rival Romero, 29. Haney features in his comeback bout against Jose Ramirez, 32, as a rematch with Garcia is targeted for October. Garcia said: “I think that he has a great chance to beat Ramirez. Ramirez is a little past his prime. So I expect both of us to win, for sure.” Despite his failed drug test and subsequent no-contest the beatdown of Haney has left question marks of the former champion’s confidence. And Garcia goaded: “I have no idea how he’s gonna go about himself. I just know that I was in his head the first time.”It’s hard to look past getting dropped three times, I mean, you have to address that within yourself. So I don’t know how he’s gonna handle that.” Garcia steps up to the 147lb welterweight division to face Romero and said: “I’m just ready to go.”I may have been acting crazy last time around but I was still feeling pretty good physically, but for me this time around I feel good both, mentally and physically.Read More on The Sun”So, you know, I’ve done this before. I’ve fought many fights in my life and I’m ready, I’m in shape, ready to go 12 rounds and ready to do my job.”Watch the full episode of The Sun’s Split Decision featuring exclusive interviews with Canelo Alvarez, Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney.Garcia returns against Rolando RomeroCredit: RexHaney faces Jose RamirezCredit: Alamy More

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      Conor Benn reveals boxing superstar he wants next if Chris Eubank Jr rematch can’t be made and issues chilling warning

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      CONOR BENN has revealed the opponent he’s eyeing if a rematch with Chris Eubank Jr fails to come to fruition.The bitter rivals went to war for 12 incredible rounds at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last month in one of the best domestic dust-ups in recent memory.Conor Benn lost a closely contested 12-round war with Chris Eubank Jr last monthCredit: GETTYBenn is hoping to have an immediate rematch with his rival but is open to having another fightCredit: GETTYHe’s set his sights on former interim WBC lightweight champion Ryan GarciaCredit: REXBenn, 28, suffered an agonising unanimous decision defeat in the closely-contested Spurs slugfest, which the judges all scoring 116-112 in Eubank Jr’s favour.A rematch clause was placed in the lucrative contract both men inked but Part II is by no means guaranteed as Eubank Jr had to boil himself to the brink of severe illness to make the contracted 160lbs weight – which he MISSED.His dad Chris Snr revealed he was “touch and go” after being taken to hospital with extreme dehydration, although Jr has now said he is in “great shape” and dismissed Benn’s claim he suffered a broken jaw.Benn isn’t putting all his eggs into the rematch basket, revealing he’ll target a showdown with boxing superstar Ryan Garcia if he can’t get his shot at revenge.READ MORE BOXING NEWS’The Destroyer’ roared: “If it’s not Eubank next, it’s Garcia next. I’ll drop back down to 147lbs and go straight back in.”At 147lbs, that’s where I’m the most dangerous. That’s where you see the clinical knockouts.”The 154s, the 160s, seem to absorb the shots better. “No doubt I had I had Eubank hurt at 160lbs four or five times in the fight.Most read in Boxing”I just couldn’t get the finish, I just couldn’t pull the trigger. At 147lbs, it’s a different ball game.”JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSEubank Jr – the son of British boxing icon Chris Eubank Sr – has become the darling of the nation following the biggest victory of his career.But Benn – the son of Senior’s former rival Nigel Benn – couldn’t care less about the adoration his foe is receiving, saying: “He’s good at getting the sympathy vote, let him get it. Let him get it.”How Eubank Sr’s stunning return helped secure son’s victory | Split Decision | Knockout AnalysisShould an incredible fourth chapter of the Benn-Eubank family rivalry come to fruition, Conor is adamant he won’t leave the fight in the hands of the judges.He said: “All I know is he got rocked four or five times by a welterweight.”More fool me, I should’ve pulled the trigger and got the stoppage. I won’t let that happen next time.”I’ll pull the trigger and I’ll make sure when I shoot, I won’t miss.”Benn is itching to get back in the ring less than a week after the incredible 12-round war, insisting: “I’m ready, I’m healed and I’m recovered.”I feel rejuvenated, I feel the energy and I feel alive. I’m ready to just go again.”Former interim WBC lightweight champion Garcia returns to action earlier tomorrow morning against Rolly Romero in New York.Conor Benn is champing at the bit to get back in the ringCredit: GETTYRyan Garcia returns to the ring early tomorrow morning to face Rolando RomeroCredit: RexAnd the pair’s clash will take place in the heart of Times Square, which has had a full boxing ring erected in it.The fight will be Garcia’s first since his majority decision victory over Devin Haney last April was overturned to a No-Contest after it emerged he failed a pre-fight drug test. But ‘King’ insists he didn’t intentionally take the banned substance found in his system, telling SunSport in an exclusive interview: “What did he get out of that?”People still think he cheated, so at the end of the day, I know I didn’t cheat. “I’ll take the ban for a year and that keeps it moving fast. Everybody knows that I didn’t take it. Read More on The Sun”I know my team, we know we didn’t take anything, so honestly it doesn’t really matter to me at the end of the day. “People are gonna believe whatever they want to believe, they’re gonna believe I’m innocent. The large majority do believe that, so who cares?” More