Tim Bradley isn’t sold on Ryan Garcia being the favorite against Teofimo Lopez. Ryan’s improved right hand gives opponents another punch to worry about, but Bradley still sees defensive mistakes that could leave him open against a fast, explosive opponent.
“I just think y’all giving Ryan Garcia too much credit. Yes, he’s developed something of a right hand, yes. You’ve got to worry about both hands, the left hook, the right hand, but there’s still a lot of mistakes there,” Bradley told Ring Magazine. “He’s still turning his back. He still has his chin up in the air.”
Those are dangerous habits against Teofimo, whose quick attacks can punish a fighter before he gets back into position. Adding a right hand makes Ryan harder to defend against, but it doesn’t protect him when his chin is exposed, or he turns away under pressure.
Bradley’s argument is that Ryan’s recent performances shouldn’t erase those concerns. A fighter can look improved offensively while leaving opponents the same opportunities to hit him.
“He may be the favorite because he’s coming off his last two performances. Yes, he may be the favorite, but Teofimo Lopez? That explosiveness. That athleticism that he brings into the ring. The combinations,” Bradley said.
“He’s smart and has fought at a very, very high level. He’s going to be ready for this fight against Ryan Garcia.”
Teofimo would need to make those qualities count without becoming reckless. Trying to punish Ryan’s mistakes means getting close enough to land, and that also puts him within reach of the left hook. He cannot assume an opening is safe just because Ryan leaves it there.
That is what makes Bradley’s comments interesting. He acknowledges that Ryan has become a more dangerous two-handed puncher, yet he doesn’t see that as enough to dismiss Teofimo’s chances.
Ryan’s power could make Teofimo cautious. But if Teofimo can draw his punches and attack before Ryan recovers his position, the defensive habits Bradley identified could become expensive. A better right hand alone won’t solve that.