Boxer Ryan Garcia had surgery on his right hand Tuesday for an injury his manager says plagued him during his May 2 loss to Rolando “Rolly’’ Romero.
“Yes, his injury was a problem during the Romero fight,’’ Guadalupe Valencia, Garcia’s manager and attorney, told USA TODAY Sports by text message. “But, that is in the past, and we don’t want to make excuses. …
‘He is feeling good and positive and will be back in the fall.”
Garcia, 26, got knocked down in the second round by Romero and looked hesitant for much of the fight, which Romero won by unanimous decision.
Valencia did not say when Garcia (24-2) hurt his right hand, but Sports Illustrated reported the injury took place during training camp before the 12-round welterweight bout.
“When Ryan is well, he will be back and will have an elite level performance,’’ Valencia said. “This past fight vs. Romero is a minor setback. Ryan at 100% is unbeatable.’’
Garcia’s loss to Romero cast doubt on a possible rematch against Devin Haney. Valencia said Garcia fighting Haney remains an option. Oscar De La Hoya, Garcia’s promoter, recently told Fight Hype a rematch against Romero, not Haney, would be ‘the right move” for Garcia.
“Honestly, right now, we just need his hand to heal,’’ Valencia said. “We will discuss his future plans in the coming weeks. There are several important options, including Haney.’’
Recovery from the hand surgery will take Garcia four to six weeks, according to Valencia.