Ryan Garcia (left) and Manny Pacquiao. AFP Photos
MANILA, Philippines — The much talked about Manny Pacquiao and Ryan Garcia bout will no longer happen.
In a post on social media, Garcia said his dream fight with the eight-division champion “is not happening right now.”
“I tried my best after getting the call to fight him but didn’t happen because of some issues I didn’t expect to come up but I’m already working on the next fight,” the rising lightweight wrote Tuesday.
“I will always see Manny as an inspiration and someone who is a legend and I respect. Wish the best for him in life and boxing.”
Last January, Garcia teased about fighting Pacquiao, whose camp then confirmed early February that negotiations are underway for a potential showdown between the two.
The 22-year-old Garcia set his sights on Pacquiao shortly after stopping former title contender Luke Campbell to win the WBC interim lightweight title.
But with his plan to challenge Pacquiao derailed, Garcia (21-0, 18 KOs) has now refocused on clashing with WBA (Super) junior lightweight champion Gervonta Davis (24-0, 23 KOs).
“I want Gervonta Davis. I wanted it before the Pacquiao fight,” Garcia told DAZN’s Beyond The Bell.