Ryan Garcia overwhelmed Conor Benn earlier this month, but his pursuit of a rapid next bout has encountered resistance. The Californian’s preferred opponent, Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz, appears uninterested in challenging for the WBC welterweight world title.
Garcia now sits in strong contention for 2026 Fighter of the Year honors, holding the WBC 147-pound crown after defeating Mario Barrios and successfully defending it against Benn while many pound-for-pound contenders have remained inactive.
He had openly targeted Cruz for December following his two-round dismantling of Benn. Cruz stopped Nestor Bravo last week and subsequently called out Garcia in the post-fight interview.
With the news that Teofimo Lopez must face Jack Catterall next to retain his WBA belt, Cruz has emerged as Garcia’s primary objective.
Yet despite Cruz demanding a shot at Garcia’s title after the Bravo victory, Garcia insists the Mexican is now shying away from the contest.
“Pitbull do not want it, my guy. I told you that I am going to give him one more chance and he has ducked three times.
“Once you’ve ducked three times, bro, there is nothing more to say. He ducked, that’s it, bro ducked for sure.”
It remains uncertain whether Lopez will defend against Catterall or vacate the title, with his camp recently claiming they were assured the mandated fight would not materialize.
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