Jake Paul’s search for a new opponent sparked quick speculation across boxing circles this week—but one rumored matchup is officially off the table.
According to Ring Magazine, Oscar De La Hoya has made it clear that Ryan Garcia will not be stepping in to replace Gervonta “Tank” Davis, whose upcoming bout with Jake Paul was cancelled following Davis’ ongoing legal issues.
Paul’s camp reportedly reached out to Garcia’s team to explore the possibility of a fight. Paul's approach to Garcia's camp came after Davis was hit with a civil lawsuit in Miami-Dade County, accusing him of battery, kidnapping, and other charges stemming from an alleged incident at a strip club.
Paul and Most Valuable Promotions began looking for a high-profile replacement, and Garcia was among the first names contacted.
However, according to De La Hoya, the conversation went nowhere.
“Ryan Garcia and Jake Paul weren’t close at all,” De La Hoya said, according to the outlet. “They called us. I shut it down right away. It’s just not going to happen. It can’t happen without my blessing.”
De La Hoya explained that Garcia is locked into a multi-fight agreement with Golden Boy Promotions, as well as preexisting broadcast arrangements. Paul’s team works closely with Netflix, while Garcia’s fights run through DAZN. Beyond contracts, De La Hoya emphasized that the matchup didn’t align with the longer-term direction planned for Garcia.
“What we want to build with Ryan is something special,” he said. “We want to make sure he is on the right path to get to the world title and become a boxing superstar. And that wasn’t it.”
Garcia (24-2, 20 KOs) has not stepped into the ring since May, when he suffered a unanimous decision loss to Rolando Romero.
Before that, his April 2024 majority decision win over Devin Haney was overturned following a positive test for Ostarine, resulting in a one-year suspension. If Garcia returns next against WBC welterweight titleholder Mario Barrios, as currently expected, it would mark his second fight at welterweight.
De La Hoya confirmed that negotiations with Barrios are ongoing.
"Barrios is on top of the list. It’s no secret,” he said. “I think Barrios will be the guy for Ryan. It’s a matter of negotiating and making the fight. We’re in talks, and it's a huge possibility.”
A win over Barrios would be significant for Garcia, especially considering Barrios’ history in the division. De La Hoya noted that the matchup would be both challenging and defining.
“It will be a special fight. Imagine Ryan beating Barrios—something an older Manny Pacquiao couldn’t do,” he said. “It would be a big accomplishment for Ryan to finally become a world champion after all these years.”
Meanwhile, Jake Paul continues the search for a new opponent. Other names that have reportedly surfaced include Anthony Joshua and Terence Crawford, though no agreements have been announced yet.