Ryan Garcia Takes Dig at Rolly Romero: "I Don't Know If You Have a Real Injury Or Not"

After stopping Oscar Duarte in eight rounds Saturday night in Houston, Ryan Garcia already has his eyes set on his next victim.

Ryan Garcia bounced back in a major way Saturday night in Houston, Tex., defeating Oscar Duarte by KO in Round 8 to maintain the WBA Gold title. 

Although Duarte gave his best effort, crisp and sharper punches were the difference in the victory.

VIDEO: Ryan Garcia Knocks Out Oscar Duarte In Houston

For Garcia, 25, it's onto his next opponent on his quest for greatness.

That would mean getting through Rolly Romero, the WBA super-lightweight champion, in a would-be unification bout.

Garcia was asked about his performance and long-term goals, mentioning Romero as a potential opponent. 

"Oh, yeah, for sure [I want the fight]," Garcia said when asked about taking on the winner of Devin Haney vs. Regis Prograis. "You know, I want to become a champion. So, that's my goal."

To become a champion, Garcia had a message for Romero, who is coming off a TKO victory against Ismael Barroso in May.

"I want Rolly," he said. "I feel like it's a fun fight. He's a great, aggressive, crazy dude. Lead-up would be crazy. I want that, you know. [The] dude has the title, technically. But yeah, let's do it."

"I don't know if you have a real injury or not, but he'll answer."

The victory over Duarte was Garcia's 21st KO and his 26th win as a professional, as he had not experienced the win column since July 2022 when he defeated Javier Fortuna in July 2022 by KO.

At press time, Garcia's return date has yet to be revealed, but it's a story to follow in the coming months as his redemption story continues.

Stick with MMA Knockout for more daily coverage of the UFC and MMA.