Derrick James took heat on social media after Ryan Garcia posted images of the pair training in preparation for a 2025 comeback.
Garcia posted ‘Back in the lab’ to his millions of followers as the super lightweight continues to serve a one-year suspension for positive drug tests. ‘Kingry’ can return on April 2025, one year after his victory over Devin Haney, which was subsequently wiped from the record books.
But it wasn’t Garcia who was the center of attention following the post. It was James – the man who coached Garcia in the images. Some fans haven’t forgiven Garcia for controversial rants about race, including the use of the ‘n’ word in Twitter Space broadcasts.
James faced harsh questions and abuse for sticking by the Golden Boy star’s side.
“No more respect for Derrick James,” read one comment on the situation. Another added, “You hate n***** but have n*** coach.”
A third stated, “Derrick is a sellout.”
It’s not one hundred percent certain that the images are recent, though Garcia did not indicate that they were, as they looked similar to shots taken during the Haney training camp.
Whatever the situation between Garcia and James, the latter will face a grilling from the media if he decides to be in the ex-Gervonta Davis victim’s corner for his next bout.
Garcia has been calling out several fighters to face him in April 2025, including Teofimo Lopez, Pound for Pound King Terence Crawford, and Davis for a rematch. Whoever is in the opposite corner will be one hot ticket after a wave of controversy has surrounded Ryan Garcia for months.
Oscar De La Hoya must be champing at the bit to get his number one boxer back in the ring – with or without Derrick James.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
