Ryan Garcia faces the biggest test of his career next month when he finally settles his rivalry with Gervonta Davis.
The battle of the superb lightweights looks set to be the biggest fight of 2023 and Garcia, one of the most popular stars in the sport, can call on the legendary Bernard Hopkins for advice heading into the contest.
Hopkins holds a lofty posiition at Golden Boy Promotions and Garcia is perhaps the brightest star at Oscar De La Hoya’s company.
Hopkins was in attendance at the Garcia vs. Davis press conference and when speaking on The DAZN Boxing Show, the Philadelphian, one of boxing's most decorated fighters, admitted he was fully on Garcia’s side.
“Yes, and when I first got here, I was in his ear,” said Hopkins when asked by Ak and Barak whether he would be in Garcia’s ear in the build-up to this fight.
“When I got here, I approached him and his dad and I said, ‘a car is nothing without an engine and you gotta take that.’ He has to make it known that he owns this division.
“I said, ‘Ryan can you prove it to me?’
“He said ‘O.G. I will. O.G. I will.’”