“I kind of want to get in the ring in December or January. You got Pitbull Cruz. I wouldn’t mind rumbling with him. Angel Fierro, he sparred me for this camp. I wouldn’t mind fighting him, too. I wouldn’t call it a tune-up. I don’t want to be caught off guard. I don’t want to wait until May to fight. Why do I have to wait until May? I have no bruises. I have no hits to the head. Why can’t I fight? I’ll give the fans a little treat. It’s still going to be a great fight. You’re always going to get excitement when I fight. I’m looking to stay active,” said Ryan Garcia to Ariel Helwani.

Pitbull is clearly the more valuable choice. His aggressive style, Mexican following, and recognizable name would give Ryan a legitimate event rather than a glorified stay-busy appearance. Cruz would keep pressing forward and give Ryan opportunities to land the left hook that destroyed Benn.

Fierro is an interesting alternative because he helped Ryan prepare for Benn. That familiarity may produce a competitive fight, but Fierro lacks Pitbull’s drawing power. Fans would see him as the cheaper and safer option regardless of Ryan refusing to label the contest a tune-up.

The larger plan remains a Cinco de Mayo fight against Teofimo Lopez. Ryan wants their welterweight belts on the line and intends to take everything Lopez owns.

Devin Haney will have to wait. Ryan wants Haney to collect another belt before they meet again, raising the value of a rematch that already carries considerable personal hostility.

Fighting Pitbull in December or January would keep Ryan active, give fans an entertaining matchup, and strengthen his position before the Teofimo negotiations begin. After losing years through suspensions and inactivity, Ryan finally understands that momentum must be used rather than wasted.