One of the new boxing stars, Ryan Garcia, is on everyone’s lips. Not only because of his last fights that positioned him as a serious competitor, but because his next fight would be against the historic Filipino boxer, Manny Pacquiao. Ryan Garcia’s mind was four times world champion in two different categories, Gervonta Davis, until one call changed everything.
“My heart loved Gervonta Davis and I was focused on that. But all of a sudden you get a phone call and I say, “You can fight Manny Pacquiao. What are you going to say? “Ryan Ryan said in an exclusive interview for ESPN Digital.” One of your heroes, one of the people you admire the most and tell you you have a chance to face him, I said let’s go to him one hundred at one hundred ”.
The big question for now is whether the fight will take place, whether it will be an exhibition or a formal fight.
“I can’t say anything about it, but is it the same question that everyone has, will it be an exhibition or will it be a real fight? But I can say that, you have two people in the ring with 8 or 10 ounce gloves, no head protection, tell me if this is an exhibition or a real one, we are two real fighters. I’m not going to lie, and neither am he. You can call it whatever you want, but it will be a struggle. I’m going to punch like I want to take Pacquiao down, “Garcia said.
Pacquiao is the current welterweight monarch of the World Boxing Association, after defeating American Keith Thurman in July 2019. Ryan, in turn, comes from defeating Luke Campbell for the World Boxing Council’s lightweight interim title.
“(The problem of weight) It can be solved very easily, I am willing to do what needs to be done. Whatever Manny wants by weight, I’ll do it. I’m a big fighter, I’m not a little 135 (pounds), I’m big, so if I have to go from weight (to welterweight) I’ll do it, “said Ryan.
The young Garcia, only 22 years old, is 20 years younger than Pacquiao, 42 years old. In 2008, when Ryan was just 10 years old, Manny defeated Oscar de la Hoya, now Garcia’s promoter at Golden Boy Promotions.
“I was very young, but I remember him (Manny) beating my other hero, Oscar de la Hoya, I remember seeing and saying, oh, Oscar, throw a few shots, please! I became a Manny fan there. When he eliminated Ricky Hatton in one fell swoop. Back then, he beat everyone, Miguel Cotto, everyone, ”Ryan recalled.
The rising boxing star surprised everyone a few weeks ago, when she eliminated Luke Campbell. The English boxer, Olympic medalist in London 2012, suffered the fourth defeat, the first by knockout, at the hands of Garcia. Ryan overcame an elimination early in the fight, then managed to send Campbell to the canvas in the seventh round.
“That victory did a lot for me, it showed people who I really am. Many people had questions that led to that fight, maybe Ryan to strike? Can Ryan fight at the elite level against an Olympic medalist? This boxer fought hard against Jorge Linares and Vasyl Lomachenko, but none eliminated him. First, I showed that I could receive blows, I fell and got up and then I hit him with a body blow. If you were wondering if it could hit your body, now you know. “
García, who is mentored by Mexican Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez, with whom he also shares coaching Eddy Reynoso, is ready for the challenge and wants to continue his career.
“This time I will take Manny’s torch, it’s my turn. I will be the fighter who will do it. This fight will break records, I tell you, “said the young man from California.
Garcia’s career grew rapidly. His last three fights against Romero Duno, Francisco Fonseca and Luke Campbell have brought the boxing industry back to see him as a serious competitor. Garcia’s seriousness has often been questioned due to his popularity with millions of followers on social networks.
“People underestimate what the current age of social media means and how strong it is. My post (on Instagram) mentioning Manny, you can’t imagine the numbers and what caused it. They will see what this fight will be like. “
Nicknamed “King Ry” he has a mark of 21 victories, 18 by elimination. Ryan is clear about his professional aspirations, facing Pac-Man would be a dream come true and his wishes for 2021 are ambitious.
“I would beat Gervota (Davis) and Manny (Pacquiao) in the same year, this would be my perfect in 2021. I can’t wait to see what happens, it will be beautiful and I am delighted,” he concluded.