Ryan Garcia slams Crawford: “He never fought with talented, hungry young guys”

Ryan Garcia (25–2, 20 KOs) is still riding high after becoming the WBC welterweight champion with a clear unanimous‑decision win over Mario Barrios (29–3–2, 18 KOs).

Fresh off that victory, he’s been weighing in on the current boxing landscape — and he didn’t hold back when it came to Terence “Bud” Crawford (42–0, 31 KOs), widely considered the No. 1 pound‑for‑pound fighter after his stunning upset over Canelo Álvarez (63–3–2, 39 KOs).

Crawford jumped up two weight classes overnight and took Canelo’s undisputed super middleweight crown before announcing his retirement. Garcia, speaking on the Creators Think podcast, questioned the legitimacy of Crawford’s résumé.

“I don’t think Terence ever fought young, hungry talent. Look at his record — he fought an older Errol Spence and Canelo Álvarez. Name one young lion he’s faced. You can’t, because he hasn’t,” Garcia said.

Crawford remains the only fighter in history to become undisputed champion in three different weight divisions — and he’s still undefeated. But that doesn’t seem to impress Garcia, who criticized Bud’s choice of opponents, echoing a criticism Canelo himself faced for years.

“He didn’t fight Jaron Ennis, he didn’t fight Vergil Ortiz, he hasn’t fought me… He just doesn’t fight anyone who’s hungry, who has the same hunger he once had. I don’t care if he comes out of retirement or not. I’m just calling it how I see it,” Garcia added.

Although Crawford announced his retirement and was stripped of his belts, many analysts doubt he’s truly done. Garcia’s comments may be an early attempt to stir interest in a potential mega‑fight if Bud returns. For now, Crawford hasn’t responded to Garcia’s jabs — including Ryan’s claim that Crawford is “overrated” and that he would “beat him badly.” Time will tell.

Garcia shuts down Emiliano Vargas

Since Garcia won the title, challengers have been lining up — not surprising given his star power. One of the latest to call him out is Emiliano Vargas (17–0, 14 KOs), the youngest son of former world champion Fernando Vargas. Emiliano was named The Ring’s Prospect of the Year and has racked up 17 straight wins, 14 by knockout.

Speaking to Turki Al‑Sheikh’s magazine, Vargas didn’t mince words: “We know he drinks, he parties… He’s had those mental episodes. In his last fight he looked focused. Hopefully he stays that way, and maybe after three or four rehabs we can fight.”

Garcia brushed off the 21‑year‑old completely. “Why does he think I’m looking for a fight with him? He’s a prospect — still a kid. I’ll let him grow, give him a pass. I don’t want him ending up like his father… someone who stepped up too soon,” Garcia fired back.

Meanwhile, rumors of a rematch with Devin Haney (33–0, 15 KOs) are gaining momentum — and that’s a fight the boxing world would absolutely tune in for.

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