Ryan Garcia Confirms Floyd Mayweather Talks — But Says It Must Be a Real Fight

Ryan Garcia has opened the door to one of boxing’s most unexpected possible matchups: a professional fight against retired legend Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Garcia confirmed that communication has taken place regarding a potential meeting with Mayweather, but made an important distinction—he isn’t interested in an exhibition. Garcia wants a professional bout, meaning Mayweather’s famous 50-0 record would theoretically be at stake. No fight has been finalized, and significant hurdles remain before the matchup should be treated as anything more than negotiations.

That distinction is what makes the story considerably more interesting than another Mayweather exhibition rumor. Mayweather retired from professional boxing after defeating Conor McGregor in 2017 and has since competed in exhibitions without risking his official record. Garcia, meanwhile, remains an active fighter with championship ambitions of his own. A legitimate professional contest would therefore carry consequences that Mayweather’s post-retirement appearances have not. For now, fans should treat Garcia-Mayweather as a developing negotiation rather than a done deal—but if discussions progress, it instantly becomes one of boxing’s biggest commercial stories.