RYAN Garcia has joined forces with American trainer Derrick James after ending a brief spell under Eddy Reynoso, the head coach of Canelo Alvarez.
It came as a surprise when Garcia, 24-1 (20 KOs), announced that he would be training alongside Teofimo Lopez, his fierce rival, at Reynoso’s gym.
However, the two polarizing stars – who will feature on a card in Times Square, New York, on May 2 – have since parted ways with the esteemed coach.
As a result, Reynoso can now focus solely on preparing Canelo and Jaime Munguia for their outings against William Scull and Bruno Surace respectively on May 3.
But while Lopez, whose father is a key component of his team, is yet to reveal a new head coach, Garcia has declared via social media that he will be training under the tutelage of James.
The pair ignited their working relationship back in 2023, before Garcia locked horns with Devin Haney last year.
In that matchup, the 26-year-old produced a punishing performance to floor Haney three times en route to a majority decision victory.
Following his career-best win, which was then overturned to a no-contest, the American was handed a year-long ban by the New York State Athletic Commission after testing positive for ostarine, a performance-enhancing substance.
But with his suspension being lifted on April 20, Garcia is now gearing up for his next assignment against former world title challenger Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero, 16-2 (13 KOs).
Along with James, the social media star’s father, Henry Garcia, is expected to be a leading voice in the gym ahead of his upcoming fight.