By Norm Frauenheim
The props and plots were all there. So was Ryan Garcia.
Garcia, ever the showman, delivered Thursday with a gag bag full of punchlines, insults, mockery, T-shirts, ring-card girls and many more of the usual theatrics he’s been rehearsing for so long
He may have left the white horse in the barn this time. Maybe, some of the manure, too. But place and stage — Avalon Hollywood — hasn’t changed much since Garcia’s gallop into a formal news conference in 2024 turned into a wild ride and controversial crash against Devin Haney.
Once again, Garcia proved his wit is still as quick as his hands. Maybe quicker, although we’ll have to wait and see on that Feb. 21 against welterweight Mario Barrios at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.
Barrios, the World Boxing Council’s 147-pound champion, was part of the live-streamed show Thursday, of course. But Garcia has a way of turning everybody around him into a bit player. Barrios — a champion, but no celebrity — understood his role, his place among the extras.
“This is turning into a circus,’’ Barrios said during his turn at the podium at the newser for The Ring-promoted bout.
By then, Garcia had already turned it into his bully pulpit.
First, there was the story line, the plot that will be explored ad nauseam for the next month.
Barrios’ trainer is Joe Goossen, Garcia’s ex. After Goossen, there was Derrick James. Before Goossen, there was Eddy Reynoso. Hand wraps last longer. Now, Garcia’s dad, Henry is back in the corner he occupied early in his son’s pro career and throughout his amateur days.
On Thursday, dad warmed up the show for his son. He complained about Goossen, suggesting that he’s betraying his son.
“At first, I was taken a back,’’ said dad, who called Goossen’s move “disrespectful.’’
Then, it was Goossen’s turn. He conceded that his new role in the latest chapter of Garcia’s ongoing show was “awkward.”
But Goossen’s explanation was quickly interrupted by Garcia, who delivered a perfectly-timed counter.
From his seat next to the podium, Garcia cried that he was suffering from a broken heart. Jaws and noses get broken all the time in what Mike Tyson once called the hurt business. Not many hearts do, perhaps because there just aren’t many in the prize-fighting business.
“How could you, Joe?’’ Garcia said. “That’s messed up. I just can’t believe you’re doing this to me. That’s insane. You hurt my heart.
“It’s over. We’re done. I’m breaking up with you again. You just broke my heart. Just move on. You were being sweet, but I’m offended.
“It’s too late. I’m offended. I’m offended already. I’m hurt. All of that.”
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do. It’s a 1962 Neil Sedaka song not heard by anybody among fight fans in more than a half-century. Garcia sounded as if he was humming a few of those forgotten lyrics. But the show, like the trainers, had to move on.
Garcia took the cue, reached into a bag at his feet and pulled out black T-shirts that said: I Am A Traitor. He threw one at Goossen. Goossen threw it back as though he was trying to throw a hook
At one point, Garcia raced backstage, chanting repeatedly that he loves the WBC. He returned to center stage with three ring-card girls, all waving WBC placards. Somewhere, Terence Crawford must be smiling.
In November, the World Boxing Council lifted a ban on Garcia, who is coming off a listless loss in May to Rolly Romero after the Haney bout was ruled a no-contest because of a positive PED test. The WBC had suspended him for racial slurs posted on social media. The move opened the way for him to fight Barrios.
“Last, but not least, I get to thank the WBC,’’ he said without saying he was sorry.
In the end, Garcia said whatever he wants. It wouldn’t have been much of a news conference if he hadn’t.
“I’m the ringmaster,’’ he said.
He’s that and more, said Barrios, who also showed he can deliver a quick counter.
“Payaso,’’ he said.
That’s Spanish for clown.
