Morning Report: Ryan Garcia admits health concerns were all an act: 'I wasn't going to budge for anyone'

Ryan Garcia had the whole world in the palm of his hand.

One “smart” person said, “The greatest trick the devil ever did was make the world believe he didn't exist.” The 25-year-old phenom boxing superstar is a true and supremely talented athlete. After all, he had incredibly fooled the entire martial arts world.

Garcia was a +500 underdog ahead of his recent bout with fellow young superstar boxer Devin Haney. In theory, the gap between the two couldn't have been this wide, with Haney's perfect 31-0 to Garcia's 24-1. However, in the months leading up to the fight, the Oscar De La Hoya protégé was suffering from various issues, whether drug or damage related, that left the world questioning his mental health. Ultimately, the Victorville, Calif., native was performing to the best of his ability before delivering a masterclass performance that earned him a majority decision victory over his rival last Saturday.

“It was pre-recorded several months ago,” Garcia said on the PBD podcast. “I said what's going to happen? I said, 'I'm going to make everyone think I'm going crazy.' I'm going to do this, I'm going to do that.” Look, it's going to be called “The Great Escape.” Well, it's all documented. I was already planning weeks and months late.

“To be honest, I don't know what made me come up with this idea. One day I decided to just go all in and just commit to the plan I had made, and I realized who I was. I wasn't going to budge. I was acting sporadically, just like crazy. When I did this on my face, on my nose, I thought, “That's just a tick.” Ta. I had everything. ”

Garcia's plan worked. Most fans looking at Garcia's social media posts wonder how he was allowed to fight when he was “obviously” confused, needed help, and had proven unfit to fight. I was guessing that it was. “The King” supposedly deliberately shed 3.2 pounds for his 140-pound title tilt, even going so far as to chug a beer on stage at the ceremonial weigh-in. After all, you can't beat the price of attention.

The latter is a reality for Garcia, who admitted that he is having a good time. It wasn't as serious or problematic as the crowd might have guessed from his antics before the game.

“But what was true was that I did drink a little sometimes during camp, because I like to drink,” Garcia said.

“(The promo for the Haney fight) just sort of unraveled on its own. To be honest, it wasn't so much my idea as it was just wisdom given to me by God, and then I just made adjustments as I went along. You will feel such a strong urge. [signs] The Holy Spirit gives us commands to do this and to do that. Then God always cleansed everything I was doing. ”

Dormant. Justin Gaethje: 'It will take at least six months to start shooting again after losing at UFC 300'

Criticism. Matt Brown slams referee for 'obviously' favoring Devin Haney over Ryan Garcia: 'You should be fined for that, mom.'

no. Islam Makhachev not interested in fighting Max Holloway: 'Maybe if we win the next fight'

Also. Lyoto Machida is 'already on fire' after Luke Rockhold's call-up, interested in Karate Combat rematch

I have high expectations. Mike Perry believes a bare-knuckle fight with Conor McGregor could really happen: 'Conor is the real deal'

evaluation. Head coach Sean Strickland explains what he could have done better against Drikas du Plessis, previews match against Paulo Costa

MMA Fighting's Guilherme Cruz speaks with Akiko Stehrenberger.

Sound & Pound with Saba Homasi

free fight.

What a morning. MMA Fighting's Mike Heck talks about who Max Holloway should fight next after his stunning knockout loss at UFC 300.

Classic.

Head on over to Twitter and use the #MorningReport hashtag or find my tweets containing it and send me the jams you're currently into. I'll cheer you on by picking the best of my daily picks! You can also share them in the comments below. Sometimes it can be difficult to sift through comments.

Bully.

What about the first one?

group.

good.

Maritza.

Jairzinho…?!

art.

Oops.

Sliced.

Dean.

It broke.

champion.

maira bueno silva (10-3-1, 1 NC) vs. Macy Chiasson (10-3); UFC 303, June 29th

This was one of my predictions that turned out to be true. Garcia was quite reliable. He was good to him.

thank you for reading!

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