Ryan Garcia’s Trainer SHOCKINGLY Ended Contract After LOSS to Rolly Romero—‘THIS B*TCH A BIG DISGRACE!’
In a dramatic fallout following Ryan Garcia’s stunning loss to Rolando “Rolly” Romero on May 2, his trainer Derrick James has shockingly terminated their professional relationship, unleashing a scathing verbal attack. James, who guided Garcia to a controversial no-contest win over Devin Haney in 2024, reportedly ended the contract with the explosive words, “This b*tch a big disgrace!” The split has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, raising questions about Garcia’s future and the turmoil surrounding his career.
A Bitter Breakup
The decision came mere hours after Romero’s upset unanimous decision victory (115-112, 115-112, 118-109) at Times Square, where Garcia was knocked down in the second round and failed to mount a meaningful comeback. Sources close to the camp reveal that James, visibly frustrated in the corner throughout the fight, reached his breaking point post-match. “He didn’t follow a single instruction—‘get busy,’ I told him, and he just stood there,” an insider quoted James as saying before the final outburst. The trainer’s harsh critique, captured in a leaked phone call to Garcia’s manager, branded the 26-year-old a “disgrace” for his lackluster performance, citing his tentativeness and inability to recover from the early knockdown.
James, who also trains Errol Spence Jr. and Jaron Ennis, had rejoined Garcia’s camp in 2023 after a stint with Eddy Reynoso, helping him navigate the Haney fight despite the subsequent drug suspension. However, the Romero loss—Garcia’s second career defeat—appears to have severed their partnership, with James reportedly unwilling to continue with a fighter he now views as uncoachable.
Garcia’s Struggles and Response
Garcia, who admitted post-fight that the year-long layoff took a toll “physically and mentally,” expressed devastation on social media, writing, “I couldn’t do it tonight, I’m devastated and really sad that I fought the way I did.” The loss, coupled with James’ exit, has left Garcia’s team in disarray. The fighter, who arrived in a Batmobile to hype the event, saw his plans for a Haney rematch crumble as Romero outworked him, landing 65 punches to Garcia’s 54 despite a combined 490 thrown—the third-lowest in CompuBox history for a 12-round fight.
Garcia has yet to publicly address James’ comments, but sources indicate he’s retreated to California to regroup with his father, Henry, who may step back into a training role. The split echoes Garcia’s 2022 departure from Reynoso, hinting at a pattern of instability that could hinder his comeback.
Boxing World Reacts
The boxing community is abuzz with reactions. Fans on social media have latched onto James’ blunt words, with some calling it “justified” given Garcia’s performance, while others see it as a harsh blow to a fighter already under scrutiny for his 2024 ostarine suspension. Rivals like Devin Haney, ringside for the fight, reportedly smirked at the outcome, while Romero himself dismissed the drama, focusing on his new WBA welterweight title. Analysts suggest James’ departure could signal the end of Garcia’s run with top-tier trainers unless he addresses his mental and physical preparedness.
What Lies Ahead?
With James out and his reputation tarnished, Garcia faces an uphill battle to reclaim his status. The loss to Romero, a +700 underdog, has dashed immediate rematch hopes with Haney, who won his undercard bout against Jose Ramirez. Garcia’s next move—whether a return to the drawing board or a new trainer—remains uncertain, but the “disgrace” label from James looms large as a defining moment in his career’s turbulent chapter.
