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Ryan Garcia, the former WBC interim lightweight champion, has paid tribute to the legendary Italian designer Giorgio Armani, who passed away at the age of 90.
Garcia had the honor of wearing a custom Emporio Armani ensemble during his high-profile 2024 bout against Devin Haney, a fight that would become a pivotal moment in his career.
Their time spent together clearly had an effect on the Californian, who dedicated a social media post to the late fashion icon.
Garcia wrote: "RIP Giorgio Armani, thank you for helping with the design for my fight against Devin Haney, truly a remarkable designer and person."
What Emporio Armani attire did Ryan Garcia wear?
Garcia's attire for the fight was a striking pale blue and white ensemble, featuring boxer shorts emblazoned with his moniker, "King Ryan," and a matching robe inscribed with "Heart of Fire" on the back.
The look was completed with a custom-made gold crown by designer The Ice Champ, which incorporated over 15,000 diamonds and approximately 30 blue topaz stones, with a plush blue velvet lining inscribed with Garcia's name.
The collaboration between Garcia and Emporio Armani was a significant departure from his previous partnerships with brands like Amiri, Dior, and Dolce & Gabbana.
Unlike other brands that distanced themselves from Garcia following the controversy surrounding the fight's outcome, Emporio Armani maintained their support, with the brand's Instagram post featuring Garcia still active.
Despite the controversy that overshadowed the fight's outcome, Garcia's tribute to Armani underscores the deep respect he held for the designer and the impact of their collaboration on his career.
The fight and its aftermath
The bout between Garcia and Haney, held on April 20, 2024, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, was anticipated to be a defining moment in Garcia's career.
Garcia delivered a commanding performance, knocking Haney down three times across the 12-round fight. However, the victory was marred when Garcia tested positive for the banned substance ostarine, leading to the result being overturned to a no-contest.
Despite the setback, Garcia's performance in the ring was widely praised, and the custom Armani attire became a symbol of his ambition and the high standards he set for himself.
The collaboration with Armani highlighted Garcia's willingness to blend fashion with his athletic pursuits, creating a memorable visual narrative for the fight.
As Garcia prepares for his return to the ring, the legacy of his collaboration with Armani continues to resonate. The tribute serves as a reminder of the intersection between sports and fashion, and the lasting impact of such partnerships on an athlete's personal and professional identity.