In a surprising twist at the New York press conference, the air buzzed with anticipation. The date was set, the Barclays Center awaited the April 20 showdown between Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney. Yet, amidst fight hype, an unexpected moment stole headlines. Garcia, once embroiled in a heated feud with Bernard Hopkins, shifted gears dramatically.
Their past clashes, filled with sharp words and public spats, seemed poised for a new chapter. The tension dissolved not with a brawl, but with a potential hug in the offing.
What’s greatness?
Garcia, with a determined stride, approached the podium where Hopkins stood. “Bernard, you want to squash the beef for real?” he asked, his voice cutting through the silence. Hopkins, without missing a beat, replied, “We don’t have no beef,” his response signaling an openness to bury the hatchet.
The tension that had once simmered between them as Garcia called him out for losing to Joe Smith. The audience, momentarily holding its breath, exhaled as Garcia and Hopkins shook hands. This handshake, a symbol of their newfound understanding, bridged the gap created by past disagreements. Hopkins seized the opportunity to impart wisdom, not just to Garcia but to all present.
Continuing his address, Hopkins reflected on the essence of true greatness in boxing. “See when it comes to knowing and my partner can verify this. Oscar when it comes to knowing greatness, I lost my first pro fight and I told Ryan in the dressing room it ain’t how you start it’s how you finish. You must understand that because the great ones that came up from wherever they came up off the ground, out of the penitential anywhere else and they became great but it’s very few. There are very few who will continue to keep that mindset that it ain’t over until it’s over. Ryan’s career starts with this fight here as far as I’m concerned,” he eloquently expressed, downplaying the Davis’ loss.
This dialogue, rich in respect and wisdom, not only showcased their ability to move past previous conflicts but also highlighted Hopkins’ role as a mentor. Bill Haney also talked about their relationship in the same conference.
Questioning the Ryan Garcia-Hopkins alliance amidst lingering tensions
Bill Haney cast a shadow of doubt over the renewed camaraderie. He addressed the former world champion and the young contender, suggesting, “You know special uh uh takeaway shot to Bernard and…Ryan but I’m glad they made up, so take him…Bernard and show him that shoulder roll.”
Adding an element of challenge, Haney invoked Floyd Mayweather Jr. and a famous Jay-Z line, stating, “Bernard Floyd Ryan, all y’all get together ain’t none of that sht going to help on 4/20; it’s lit and everybody’s in it, and y’all going to pay for all the sht like Jay-Z says, ‘from all them years that you hold us’ yeah, you going to pay 4/20 is smoke, and we ain’t letting up.” This statement underscored the competitive spirit and hinted at unresolved issues, despite the public display of unity between Garcia and Hopkins.
How will this restored rapport between Garcia and Hopkins influence the outcome of the upcoming fight? Will the past indeed be left behind, or will it resurface in the heat of competition?
