Will “King Ry” finally win a world title?

To me, King Ry is the worst nickname in boxing.

Why?

Simple.

It’s a lie.

The nickname suggests a champion, something that Ryan Garcia,27, has never been.

“Hands of Stone,” “The Greatest,” and “Smokin Joe” are a few of the best-known boxing monikers.

They fit.

Boxing is about talent, condition, desire, and resilience. That’s the truth.

Garcia (24-2, 20 KOs) is not a bad fighter. He’s pretty good, honestly. His marketing ability is better. Garcia has fought for a world title twice and lost. Did he earn them? That’s laughable.

His third attempt comes this weekend against WBC titleholder Mario Barrios in Las Vegas. Gervonta Davis drilled Garcia, and Rolly Ronero dominated him last year. Not a good look.

Garcia looked bored, like an actor phoning in a performance.

So, only in boxing, he’s rewarded with a shot at a world title.

Another loss would be a disaster. Garcia recognizes this.

“Two is cool (losses), but three is too much.” said Garcia a few weeks ago at a press conference. “I don’t wanna get this third loss at all. He doesn’t want to get it. It’s debatable that he lost his last fight, but it was called a draw. But at the end of the day, we don’t want to lose, and we’re both at this moment. That’s why I think this is a sleeper fight. Some people don’t think this is gonna be a good event. I think it is, and I predict that it’s gonna be very bloody. I can see a lot of cuts and grueling fighting.”

Barrios (29-2-2, 18 KOs) agrees that his fight with Garcia could be brutal.

“It could be. Whether I’m cut, hurt, I get back up and keep fighting. I don’t know if he can say the same, but that’s something we’re going to see come fight night. He said we’re getting a Ryan that’s 100%. That’s exactly what I want.”

Many have called Barrios the worst champion in today’s fight game.

“I don’t think much into it,” Barrios said. “I stay quiet, work, and do my job. Whether you like me or not, you’re going to see me on these big cards fighting in these big venues. That’s exactly why I am where I am. It’s been quite the journey, but I still have a lot to do. I’m just thankful and happy to be here.”

But is Barrios that bad? No, but his flaws are obvious. He surprised by beating Yordenis Ugás easily in 2023. Ugas is the same fighter who sent Manny Pacquiao into retirement in 2021. When Barrios tussled with 45-year-old Pacquiao in his last fight, the thinking was that he should win. He did not. Many thought he lost, though judges declared the fight a draw.

Garcia has had a rough time outside the ring for the last few years. His mental problems are well-documented and nothing to joke about.

Barrios,30, didn’t hold back when describing Garcia in one word.

“Soft,” he said.

If he’s into it, Garcia should win. He has more tools, and Barrios has been in some tough fights.

At least then his fans can be truthful when calling him “King Ry.”