The former world champion says speaking Spanish does not determine whether someone is Mexican after responding to criticism on social media.
Ryan Garcia defended his Mexican-American identity after facing criticism online over not speaking Spanish fluently. The former world champion said his heritage comes from his family and bloodline, not from meeting other people’s expectations on social media.
“It’s actually really frustrating being Mexican American and having to hear from my own blood and people giving me shit,” Ryan said on X. “Leave me alone. I’m here representing, fighting, and enjoying my culture. USA is where I was born, and Mexico is running through my blood.”
He continued by addressing one of the most common insults aimed at Mexican-Americans who don’t speak fluent Spanish.
“Nothing you say ‘no sabo’ he don’t speak Spanish’ is going to change the facts,” said Garcia.
Ryan, who was born in California to Mexican-American parents, has long embraced both sides of his identity. Throughout his professional career, he has regularly carried both the American and Mexican flags during fight week while speaking proudly about his family’s heritage.
Ryan’s latest comments made clear that he doesn’t believe speaking Spanish determines whether someone is Mexican. Instead, he said his heritage and family background are facts that cannot be changed by criticism on social media.
Garcia has built one of boxing’s largest followings on X, where he regularly weighs in on subjects beyond the sport. This time, the focus wasn’t on an upcoming fight but on defending his Mexican-American identity after facing criticism from some social media users online today. Ryan has made clear that his pride is not negotiable.