King Ryan signed up a good one.
A month after getting knocked out by Gervonta “Tank” Davis in what has so far been boxing’s marquee bout of 2023, Ryan Garcia appears to be picking up the pieces and getting ready for a major comeback.
It began in earnest with the near-immediate firing of trainer Joe Goosen.
It continued with Garcia signing up a new trainer in Derrick James, a man hardcore boxing fans should know, as he counts welterweight kingpin Errol Spence Jr., junior middleweight unified champion Jermell Charlo, and former heavyweight belt holder Anthony Joshua as among his notable clients.
And, in typical King Ryan fashion, the 24-year-old announced the major development on his Instagram, where he posted pictures of him and James seemingly back in the lab and working out already.
Take a look:
Speaking with ESPN, Garcia reiterated his desire to become one of boxing’s greats.
"I'm searching for greatness," Garcia said. "I'm looking to improve. I'm looking to be a champion with Derrick James. I feel he can guide me and mentor me."
White will be Garcia’s fourth trainer after his father, Henry, Goosen, and longtime Canelo Alvarez trainer Eddy Reynoso. He will be tasked to transform Garcia into a complete, well-rounded fighter who can win against elite-level competition.
Garcia, who will be campaigning full-time in the junior welterweight division, appears to be in good hands with White, who is best known for molding Spence and Charlo into unified world champions. He might have to work double time to mold Garcia into that elite level, but he will have plenty to work with given Garcia’s many physical gifts, notably his blazing hand speed and explosive power.
Only time will tell, though, if White will be able to do that.