Ryan Garcia has that massive social media following. Now the 22-year-old has an important victory, a one-punch knockout of Olympic gold medalist Luke Campbell on Jan. 2. Just how big can this kid get? Promoter Oscar De La Hoya said in a moment of …
Ryan Garcia has that massive social media following. Now the 22-year-old has an important victory, a one-punch knockout of Olympic gold medalist Luke Campbell on Jan. 2.
Just how big can this kid get?
Promoter Oscar De La Hoya said in a moment of great enthusiasm that his fighter could be 10 times more popular than his former client, Alvarez. What do Chris Mannix and Sergio Mora think?
In this episode of Jabs with Mannix and Mora, courtesy of DAZN, the hosts discuss that topic and more.
Trainer Eddy Reynoso said that Ryan Garcia proved against Luke Campbell that he’s a “true warrior.”
Eddy Reynoso, Ryan Garcia’s trainer, had a word to describe Garcia’s performance against Luke Campbell this past Saturday in Dallas: “Spectacular.”
Reynoso wasn’t talking about the body shot that took Campbell out in the seventh round, though. He was referring to fortitude his protégé demonstrated by rising from a second-round knockdown to get the job done in his biggest fight.
The trainer spoke to Boxing Junkie through a translator on Thursday.
“I told him in the locker room [afterward]: ‘I don’t just like that you won the fight. I like the balls you demonstrated in the ring. That’s what I’m happy with,” he said.
“I got worried a lot,” he went on, referring to the second-round knockdown. “When you have a fighter who, for all intents and purposes, is a novice who has won all his recent fights by knockout, you don’t know how he’ll react in a situation like that.
“I liked his reaction. He’s a true warrior.”
Trainer Eddy Reynoso (right) said that Ryan Garcia would be ready to face anyone if he has enough time to prepare. Tim Warner / Getty Images
Reynoso hasn’t hesitated to say that Garcia, 22, is a work in progress. Campbell was his first elite opponent, after all.
The product of Victorville, Calif., has unusual qualities – his quickness and power, for example – but many observers thought he looked like a developing boxer in the Campbell fight, meaning he still has a lot of work to do.
Reynoso is OK with that assessment.
“Yes, Ryan still has a lot of experience to gain,” he said. “He made some mistakes, mistakes that we will fix. He’s only 22. He’s going to keep learning. He’s very smart. He’s still kind of a novice. But who’s not a novice at his age?
“We’re going to continue to work hard and fix his errors in the ring.”
Reynoso and Garcia might not have a lot of time to do that.
Garcia called out Gervonta Davis during his post-fight interview on Saturday. He also mentioned Devin Haney, another top lightweight. He clearly isn’t interested in picking low-hanging fruit. He thinks big.
Reynoso was asked whether it might be too early for that kind of challenge. First, he applauded the top 135-pounders – Davis, Haney, Teofimo Lopez, Garcia – for stirring the pot by calling one another out. That generates anticipation and excitement.
And, second, while Reynoso acknowledges that Garcia is still evolving as a fighter, he believes the young man could compete with anyone if given enough time to prepare.
“Ryan is getting to that place where he can take on any challengers,” Reynoso said. “… He has something very special; with one punch he could knock anyone out. He still has things to learn. We have to work on defense, we have to work on the way he attacks his opponent.
“But he’s on a good path. If I was told tomorrow that we have to fight Davis or Haney or Lopez, I would ask only one thing: a training camp of three, four months. Then I feel strongly that he would be prepared to fight anyone.”
Trainer Eddy Reynoso said that Ryan Garcia proved against Luke Campbell that he’s a “true warrior.”
Eddy Reynoso, Ryan Garcia’s trainer, had a word to describe Garcia’s performance against Luke Campbell this past Saturday in Dallas: “Spectacular.”
Reynoso wasn’t talking about the body shot that took Campbell out in the seventh round, though. He was referring to fortitude his protégé demonstrated by rising from a second-round knockdown to get the job done in his biggest fight.
The trainer spoke to Boxing Junkie through a translator on Thursday.
“I told him in the locker room [afterward]: ‘I don’t just like that you won the fight. I like the balls you demonstrated in the ring. That’s what I’m happy with,” he said.
“I got worried a lot,” he went on, referring to the second-round knockdown. “When you have a fighter who, for all intents and purposes, is a novice who has won all his recent fights by knockout, you don’t know how he’ll react in a situation like that.
“I liked his reaction. He’s a true warrior.”
Trainer Eddy Reynoso (right) said that Ryan Garcia would be ready to face anyone if he has enough time to prepare. Tim Warner / Getty Images
Reynoso hasn’t hesitated to say that Garcia, 22, is a work in progress. Campbell was his first elite opponent, after all.
The product of Victorville, Calif., has unusual qualities – his quickness and power, for example – but many observers thought he looked like a developing boxer in the Campbell fight, meaning he still has a lot of work to do.
Reynoso is OK with that assessment.
“Yes, Ryan still has a lot of experience to gain,” he said. “He made some mistakes, mistakes that we will fix. He’s only 22. He’s going to keep learning. He’s very smart. He’s still kind of a novice. But who’s not a novice at his age?
“We’re going to continue to work hard and fix his errors in the ring.”
Reynoso and Garcia might not have a lot of time to do that.
Garcia called out Gervonta Davis during his post-fight interview on Saturday. He also mentioned Devin Haney, another top lightweight. He clearly isn’t interested in picking low-hanging fruit. He thinks big.
Reynoso was asked whether it might be too early for that kind of challenge. First, he applauded the top 135-pounders – Davis, Haney, Teofimo Lopez, Garcia – for stirring the pot by calling one another out. That generates anticipation and excitement.
And, second, while Reynoso acknowledges that Garcia is still evolving as a fighter, he believes the young man could compete with anyone if given enough time to prepare.
“Ryan is getting to that place where he can take on any challengers,” Reynoso said. “… He has something very special; with one punch he could knock anyone out. He still has things to learn. We have to work on defense, we have to work on the way he attacks his opponent.
“But he’s on a good path. If I was told tomorrow that we have to fight Davis or Haney or Lopez, I would ask only one thing: a training camp of three, four months. Then I feel strongly that he would be prepared to fight anyone.”
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman is set to order a lightweight title fight between Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia.
Ryan Garcia will fight Devin Haney next if the WBC has its way.
Garcia won the sanctioning body’s “interim” lightweight title by stopping Luke Campbell in the seventh round on Saturday in Dallas. Haney is designated as the WBC titleholder even though Teofimo Lopez sits above him as “franchise” champion.
Yes, it’s confusing.
WBC President said on The Ak & Barak Show that he will order a fight between Garcia and Haney for Haney’s belt, which would at least eliminate one of the three 135-pounders who wear the green belt.
“First, the WBC always allows three, four days or one week after an event for the fighter to settle down, to enjoy the moment, to celebrate a victory, instead of shooting them immediately a letter of work,” Sulaiman said.
“So we will take a couple of days. Now we’re starting the year, and next what goes out is the letter to both camps to begin the negotiations for the fight.”
[lawrence-related id=16967,16955,16952,16907]
That doesn’t necessarily mean that Garcia (21-0, 18 KOs) will fight Haney (25-0, 15 KOs) in his next fight. Garcia has repeatedly called out another secondary titleholder, Gervonta Davis. And Garcia’s team might decide not to jump directly into a difficult fight.
Garcia spoke to TalkSport before the Campbell fight.
“I’m gonna be quite honest: I wanna fight Gervonta next,” he said. “That’s who I want, I wanna take on that man. I’ve been calling it for a while and that’s the fight. That’s the fight that would make me great.
“That’s the fight that will complete the puzzle that I have put together. That’s who I want and that’s who I’m gonna be striving to get. I’m gonna give the people what they want, and I’m gonna put a whooping on him, I promise you that.
“Everybody’s scared, everybody fears something about that man. And to me it’s gonna be as easy as anything. It’s gonna be as easy as singing my ABCs. I promise you that’s the fight that’s gonna shock the world. I’ve been saying it from the beginning, I wanna shock the world.
“That’s who I’m coming after, big, bad ‘Tank,’ the man who hits so hard, the man that crushes people’s face in. That’s the fight that I wanna show everybody who I really am. After that I wanna fight Teofimo Lopez or Devin Haney or anybody. I don’t really care after that.
“Nobody matters as much as that fight with ‘Tank’. That’s the main fight.”
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman is set to order a lightweight title fight between Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia.
Ryan Garcia will fight Devin Haney next if the WBC has its way.
Garcia won the sanctioning body’s “interim” lightweight title by stopping Luke Campbell in the seventh round on Saturday in Dallas. Haney is designated as the WBC titleholder even though Teofimo Lopez sits above him as “franchise” champion.
Yes, it’s confusing.
WBC President said on The Ak & Barak Show that he will order a fight between Garcia and Haney for Haney’s belt, which would at least eliminate one of the three 135-pounders who wear the green belt.
“First, the WBC always allows three, four days or one week after an event for the fighter to settle down, to enjoy the moment, to celebrate a victory, instead of shooting them immediately a letter of work,” Sulaiman said.
“So we will take a couple of days. Now we’re starting the year, and next what goes out is the letter to both camps to begin the negotiations for the fight.”
[lawrence-related id=16967,16955,16952,16907]
That doesn’t necessarily mean that Garcia (21-0, 18 KOs) will fight Haney (25-0, 15 KOs) in his next fight. Garcia has repeatedly called out another secondary titleholder, Gervonta Davis. And Garcia’s team might decide not to jump directly into a difficult fight.
Garcia spoke to TalkSport before the Campbell fight.
“I’m gonna be quite honest: I wanna fight Gervonta next,” he said. “That’s who I want, I wanna take on that man. I’ve been calling it for a while and that’s the fight. That’s the fight that would make me great.
“That’s the fight that will complete the puzzle that I have put together. That’s who I want and that’s who I’m gonna be striving to get. I’m gonna give the people what they want, and I’m gonna put a whooping on him, I promise you that.
“Everybody’s scared, everybody fears something about that man. And to me it’s gonna be as easy as anything. It’s gonna be as easy as singing my ABCs. I promise you that’s the fight that’s gonna shock the world. I’ve been saying it from the beginning, I wanna shock the world.
“That’s who I’m coming after, big, bad ‘Tank,’ the man who hits so hard, the man that crushes people’s face in. That’s the fight that I wanna show everybody who I really am. After that I wanna fight Teofimo Lopez or Devin Haney or anybody. I don’t really care after that.
“Nobody matters as much as that fight with ‘Tank’. That’s the main fight.”
Here are five potential opponents for Ryan Garcia and who would win those fights.
Ryan Garcia came of age with his one-punch knockout of Luke Campbell on Saturday in Dallas.
The 22-year-old lightweight contender was celebrated going into the fight, given his ridiculous social media following. The sensational victory over Campbell took him to the next level, making him one of the hottest boxers in the world.
The question on everyone’s lips now is: Who’s next?
Garcia (21-0, 18 KOs) is fortunate to fight in a division loaded with top-end talent, meaning he has a number of intriguing options. He has repeatedly called out Gervonta Davis, another hot young star. He has mentioned Devin Haney. And there are others who might be in the mix, depending on which direction Garcia wants to go and whether politics can be navigated.
Garcia and Haney are affiliated with DAZN, which would make negotiations seamless. Meanwhile, Davis is a PBC fighter and a few other top 135-pounders are affiliated with Top Rank, which would add obstacles to negotiations.
Still, where there’s a will, there’s a way. And there seems to be a will.
Here are five prospective opponents for Garcia, as well as predictions.
***
GERVONTA DAVIS
Gervonta Davis (left) has at least as much power as Ryan Garcia. Sean Michael Ham / Mayweather Promotions
Garcia has repeatedly called out Davis and reiterated after his knockout of Campbell that he wants “Tank” next. Careful what you wish for.
The matchup would be embraced by fans. And why not? We’re talking about two undefeated young knockout artists on the cusp of become superstars because of their abilities and massive fanbases. It doesn’t get much better than that, at least on paper.
Garcia and Davis (24-0, 23 KOs) are a combined 45-0, with 41 knockouts. That’s enticing stuff.
The problem for Garcia is that Davis has tools of which Campbell could only dream, including power that is off the charts. The punch from Campbell that put Garcia down and hurt him in the second round might’ve knocked his head off if it had been delivered by Davis.
Plus, while they have a similar number of pro fights, Davis, 26, is physically more mature than Garcia and he has more experience in high-level events. One possible advantage for Garcia: He has been full-fledged lightweight his entire career, which isn’t the case for Davis.
If I were Davis, I’d race to the negotiation table to sign the contract for this fight. If I were Garcia, I’d wait. I’m guessing we won’t see this matchup next primarily because it’s too early for Garcia.
Who wins? Davis KO 7
***
TEOFIMO LOPEZ JR.
Teofimo Lopez Jr. (right) has his break-through victory over Vasiliy Lomachenko. Mikey Williams / Top Rank
Lopez, the undisputed lightweight champion, is only one year older than Garcia and has fewer pro fights yet his name doesn’t come up much as a potential opponent for Garcia.
One reason for that might be that Lopez doesn’t have the following of Garcia or Davis even though he has the biggest victory, a unanimous decision over then-No. 1 pound-for-pound king Vasiliy Lomachenko that gave him all four major titles.
Another reason might be politics, as I mentioned in the lead-in. And yet another reason might be Lopez’s ability: He’s probably the best of 135-pound bunch.
Garcia wouldn’t have a single advantage over Lopez (16-0, 12 KOs). The Honduran-American is physically imposing, is at least as quick as Garcia and he can do it all in the ring — box, punch and think. He and Davis, among the top lightweights, are mostly likely to become No. 1 pound-for-pound one day.
That doesn’t mean Garcia wouldn’t have a chance. He obviously is a talented all-around fighter, as he demonstrated against Campbell. Lopez seems to have more unusual qualities, qualities that could lead to greatness.
Who wins? Lopez KO 10
***
DEVIN HANEY
Devin Haney (left) if coming off a victory over Yuriorkis Gamboa. Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing
This matchup makes sense in many ways.
Garcia and Haney (25-0, 15 KOs) are the same age. They have a similar number of fights. While Haney already holds a secondary title, Garcia’s victory over Campbell is more meaningful than any of Haney’s wins. That’s a wash.
It’s an intriguing matchup of unbeaten rising stars even if it doesn’t have the cache of Garcia vs. Davis or Lopez. Fans would buy into it.
And the fight seems to appeal to Garcia. He made it clear after the Campbell fight that he wants to fight Davis first but he also recognized and mentioned Haney, who was in the stands.
“If we can make Devin, let’s make Devin. I’m ready,” he said.
Haney might be the second most gifted pure boxer in the division, after Vasiliy Lomachenko, which makes him a threat to anyone. He’s quick, athletic and smooth. His deficiency might be his relative lack of punching power, which is Garcia’s strength.
That would make for an interesting matchup, a slick boxer against big puncher in what might be a 50-50 fight. Garcia proved that he could compete with a good boxer and ultimately stop one, as we saw on Saturday.
Haney is better than Campbell. Garcia would have to be better, too.
Who wins? Haney UD
***
VASILIY LOMACHENKO
Vasiliy Lomachenko (left) outpointed Luke Campbell in 2019. Richard Heathcote / Getty Images
Why not?
Lomachenko, coming off his unanimous-decision loss to the naturally bigger Lopez on Oct. 17, might opt to move back down to a more natural 130 pounds for his next fight.
That would make sense for him. It would also make sense for him to fight Garcia if he stays at 135.
The 32-year-old Ukrainian was upset by one young hot-shot in Lopez, who beat him at his own game: He outboxed the boxing wizard. Lomachenko (14-2, 10 KOs) suggested that the judges were bribed but most believe he lost fairly and squarely.
The proud former champion presumably would love another crack at an upstart to make amends for what happened against Lopez, particularly one surrounded by so much hype. What better way to bounce back than beat Garcia?
Lomachenko’s name also hasn’t come up as a potential opponent for Garcia but it certainly would win the approval of fans if neither Davis nor Haney is next up. And a victory over a future Hall of Famer would look good on Garcia’s resume.
Garcia might be able to replicate Lopez’s performance, particularly if “Hi-Tech” is in decline, as some have suggested he is. However, that’s difficult to imagine. Lomachenko would be as motivated as ever and Garcia probably isn’t the all-around fighter Lopez is.
Who wins? Lomachenko UD
***
JORGE LINARES
Jorge Linares (right) stopped Carlos Morales on the Ryan Garcia-Francisco Fonseca card. Tom Hogan-Hoganphotos-Golden Boy Promotions
Linares could be the ideal opponent if Garcia and his team decide they want to take a conservative approach for his next fight.
Garcia and Linares were set to fight this past summer when COVID-19 got in the way. They presumably could reach an agreement without too much fuss, which is always a plus when contemplating a matchup.
Of course, Linares (47-5, 29 KOs) isn’t Davis, Lopez, Haney or Lomachenko. He doesn’t have that level of respect, which means a Garcia vs. Linares fight wouldn’t stir the masses like the others would.
That said, Linares is a proven commodity – which wouldn’t hurt the promotion – and he would be perceived by Garcia and Co. as a relatively safe choice, another knockout victim who could set up a big event immediately afterward.
I personally believe that Linares is another careful-what-you-wish-for opponent, even at 35. He’s an excellent boxer and athlete. That said, Garcia would be favored for a reason. This is his time, not that of a man in his mid-30s.
Here are five potential opponents for Ryan Garcia and who would win those fights.
Ryan Garcia came of age with his one-punch knockout of Luke Campbell on Saturday in Dallas.
The 22-year-old lightweight contender was celebrated going into the fight, given his ridiculous social media following. The sensational victory over Campbell took him to the next level, making him one of the hottest boxers in the world.
The question on everyone’s lips now is: Who’s next?
Garcia (21-0, 18 KOs) is fortunate to fight in a division loaded with top-end talent, meaning he has a number of intriguing options. He has repeatedly called out Gervonta Davis, another hot young star. He has mentioned Devin Haney. And there are others who might be in the mix, depending on which direction Garcia wants to go and whether politics can be navigated.
Garcia and Haney are affiliated with DAZN, which would make negotiations seamless. Meanwhile, Davis is a PBC fighter and a few other top 135-pounders are affiliated with Top Rank, which would add obstacles to negotiations.
Still, where there’s a will, there’s a way. And there seems to be a will.
Here are five prospective opponents for Garcia, as well as predictions.
***
GERVONTA DAVIS
Gervonta Davis (left) has at least as much power as Ryan Garcia. Sean Michael Ham / Mayweather Promotions
Garcia has repeatedly called out Davis and reiterated after his knockout of Campbell that he wants “Tank” next. Careful what you wish for.
The matchup would be embraced by fans. And why not? We’re talking about two undefeated young knockout artists on the cusp of become superstars because of their abilities and massive fanbases. It doesn’t get much better than that, at least on paper.
Garcia and Davis (24-0, 23 KOs) are a combined 45-0, with 41 knockouts. That’s enticing stuff.
The problem for Garcia is that Davis has tools of which Campbell could only dream, including power that is off the charts. The punch from Campbell that put Garcia down and hurt him in the second round might’ve knocked his head off if it had been delivered by Davis.
Plus, while they have a similar number of pro fights, Davis, 26, is physically more mature than Garcia and he has more experience in high-level events. One possible advantage for Garcia: He has been full-fledged lightweight his entire career, which isn’t the case for Davis.
If I were Davis, I’d race to the negotiation table to sign the contract for this fight. If I were Garcia, I’d wait. I’m guessing we won’t see this matchup next primarily because it’s too early for Garcia.
Who wins? Davis KO 7
***
TEOFIMO LOPEZ JR.
Teofimo Lopez Jr. (right) has his break-through victory over Vasiliy Lomachenko. Mikey Williams / Top Rank
Lopez, the undisputed lightweight champion, is only one year older than Garcia and has fewer pro fights yet his name doesn’t come up much as a potential opponent for Garcia.
One reason for that might be that Lopez doesn’t have the following of Garcia or Davis even though he has the biggest victory, a unanimous decision over then-No. 1 pound-for-pound king Vasiliy Lomachenko that gave him all four major titles.
Another reason might be politics, as I mentioned in the lead-in. And yet another reason might be Lopez’s ability: He’s probably the best of 135-pound bunch.
Garcia wouldn’t have a single advantage over Lopez (16-0, 12 KOs). The Honduran-American is physically imposing, is at least as quick as Garcia and he can do it all in the ring — box, punch and think. He and Davis, among the top lightweights, are mostly likely to become No. 1 pound-for-pound one day.
That doesn’t mean Garcia wouldn’t have a chance. He obviously is a talented all-around fighter, as he demonstrated against Campbell. Lopez seems to have more unusual qualities, qualities that could lead to greatness.
Who wins? Lopez KO 10
***
DEVIN HANEY
Devin Haney (left) if coming off a victory over Yuriorkis Gamboa. Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing
This matchup makes sense in many ways.
Garcia and Haney (25-0, 15 KOs) are the same age. They have a similar number of fights. While Haney already holds a secondary title, Garcia’s victory over Campbell is more meaningful than any of Haney’s wins. That’s a wash.
It’s an intriguing matchup of unbeaten rising stars even if it doesn’t have the cache of Garcia vs. Davis or Lopez. Fans would buy into it.
And the fight seems to appeal to Garcia. He made it clear after the Campbell fight that he wants to fight Davis first but he also recognized and mentioned Haney, who was in the stands.
“If we can make Devin, let’s make Devin. I’m ready,” he said.
Haney might be the second most gifted pure boxer in the division, after Vasiliy Lomachenko, which makes him a threat to anyone. He’s quick, athletic and smooth. His deficiency might be his relative lack of punching power, which is Garcia’s strength.
That would make for an interesting matchup, a slick boxer against big puncher in what might be a 50-50 fight. Garcia proved that he could compete with a good boxer and ultimately stop one, as we saw on Saturday.
Haney is better than Campbell. Garcia would have to be better, too.
Who wins? Haney UD
***
VASILIY LOMACHENKO
Vasiliy Lomachenko (left) outpointed Luke Campbell in 2019. Richard Heathcote / Getty Images
Why not?
Lomachenko, coming off his unanimous-decision loss to the naturally bigger Lopez on Oct. 17, might opt to move back down to a more natural 130 pounds for his next fight.
That would make sense for him. It would also make sense for him to fight Garcia if he stays at 135.
The 32-year-old Ukrainian was upset by one young hot-shot in Lopez, who beat him at his own game: He outboxed the boxing wizard. Lomachenko (14-2, 10 KOs) suggested that the judges were bribed but most believe he lost fairly and squarely.
The proud former champion presumably would love another crack at an upstart to make amends for what happened against Lopez, particularly one surrounded by so much hype. What better way to bounce back than beat Garcia?
Lomachenko’s name also hasn’t come up as a potential opponent for Garcia but it certainly would win the approval of fans if neither Davis nor Haney is next up. And a victory over a future Hall of Famer would look good on Garcia’s resume.
Garcia might be able to replicate Lopez’s performance, particularly if “Hi-Tech” is in decline, as some have suggested he is. However, that’s difficult to imagine. Lomachenko would be as motivated as ever and Garcia probably isn’t the all-around fighter Lopez is.
Who wins? Lomachenko UD
***
JORGE LINARES
Jorge Linares (right) stopped Carlos Morales on the Ryan Garcia-Francisco Fonseca card. Tom Hogan-Hoganphotos-Golden Boy Promotions
Linares could be the ideal opponent if Garcia and his team decide they want to take a conservative approach for his next fight.
Garcia and Linares were set to fight this past summer when COVID-19 got in the way. They presumably could reach an agreement without too much fuss, which is always a plus when contemplating a matchup.
Of course, Linares (47-5, 29 KOs) isn’t Davis, Lopez, Haney or Lomachenko. He doesn’t have that level of respect, which means a Garcia vs. Linares fight wouldn’t stir the masses like the others would.
That said, Linares is a proven commodity – which wouldn’t hurt the promotion – and he would be perceived by Garcia and Co. as a relatively safe choice, another knockout victim who could set up a big event immediately afterward.
I personally believe that Linares is another careful-what-you-wish-for opponent, even at 35. He’s an excellent boxer and athlete. That said, Garcia would be favored for a reason. This is his time, not that of a man in his mid-30s.
Here are five potential opponents for Ryan Garcia and who would win those fights.
Ryan Garcia came of age with his one-punch knockout of Luke Campbell on Saturday in Dallas.
The 22-year-old lightweight contender was celebrated going into the fight, given his ridiculous social media following. The sensational victory over Campbell took him to the next level, making him one of the hottest boxers in the world.
The question on everyone’s lips now is: Who’s next?
Garcia (21-0, 18 KOs) is fortunate to fight in a division loaded with top-end talent, meaning he has a number of intriguing options. He has repeatedly called out Gervonta Davis, another hot young star. He has mentioned Devin Haney. And there are others who might be in the mix, depending on which direction Garcia wants to go and whether politics can be navigated.
Garcia and Haney are affiliated with DAZN, which would make negotiations seamless. Meanwhile, Davis is a PBC fighter and a few other top 135-pounders are affiliated with Top Rank, which would add obstacles to negotiations.
Still, where there’s a will, there’s a way. And there seems to be a will.
Here are five prospective opponents for Garcia, as well as predictions.
***
GERVONTA DAVIS
Gervonta Davis (left) has at least as much power as Ryan Garcia. Sean Michael Ham / Mayweather Promotions
Garcia has repeatedly called out Davis and reiterated after his knockout of Campbell that he wants “Tank” next. Careful what you wish for.
The matchup would be embraced by fans. And why not? We’re talking about two undefeated young knockout artists on the cusp of become superstars because of their abilities and massive fanbases. It doesn’t get much better than that, at least on paper.
Garcia and Davis (24-0, 23 KOs) are a combined 45-0, with 41 knockouts. That’s enticing stuff.
The problem for Garcia is that Davis has tools of which Campbell could only dream, including power that is off the charts. The punch from Campbell that put Garcia down and hurt him in the second round might’ve knocked his head off if it had been delivered by Davis.
Plus, while they have a similar number of pro fights, Davis, 26, is physically more mature than Garcia and he has more experience in high-level events. One possible advantage for Garcia: He has been full-fledged lightweight his entire career, which isn’t the case for Davis.
If I were Davis, I’d race to the negotiation table to sign the contract for this fight. If I were Garcia, I’d wait. I’m guessing we won’t see this matchup next primarily because it’s too early for Garcia.
Who wins? Davis KO 7
***
TEOFIMO LOPEZ JR.
Teofimo Lopez Jr. (right) had his break-through victory over Vasiliy Lomachenko. Mikey Williams / Top Rank
Lopez, the undisputed lightweight champion, is only one year older than Garcia and has fewer pro fights yet his name doesn’t come up much as a potential opponent for Garcia.
One reason for that might be that Lopez doesn’t have the following of Garcia or Davis even though he has the biggest victory, a unanimous decision over then-No. 1 pound-for-pound king Vasiliy Lomachenko that gave him all four major titles.
Another reason might be politics, as I mentioned in the lead-in. And yet another reason might be Lopez’s ability: He’s probably the best of 135-pound bunch.
Garcia wouldn’t have a single advantage over Lopez (16-0, 12 KOs). The Honduran-American is physically imposing, is at least as quick as Garcia and he can do it all in the ring — box, punch and think. He and Davis, among the top lightweights, are mostly likely to become No. 1 pound-for-pound one day.
That doesn’t mean Garcia wouldn’t have a chance. He obviously is a talented all-around fighter, as he demonstrated against Campbell. Lopez seems to have more unusual qualities, qualities that could lead to greatness.
Who wins? Lopez KO 10
***
DEVIN HANEY
Devin Haney (left) if coming off a victory over Yuriorkis Gamboa. Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing
This matchup makes sense in many ways.
Garcia and Haney (25-0, 15 KOs) are the same age. They have a similar number of fights. While Haney already holds a secondary title, Garcia’s victory over Campbell is more meaningful than any of Haney’s wins. That’s a wash.
It’s an intriguing matchup of unbeaten rising stars even if it doesn’t have the cache of Garcia vs. Davis or Lopez. Fans would buy into it.
And the fight seems to appeal to Garcia. He made it clear after the Campbell fight that he wants to fight Davis first but he also recognized and mentioned Haney, who was in the stands.
“If we can make Devin, let’s make Devin. I’m ready,” he said.
Haney might be the second most gifted pure boxer in the division, after Vasiliy Lomachenko, which makes him a threat to anyone. He’s quick, athletic and smooth. His deficiency might be his relative lack of punching power, which is Garcia’s strength.
That would make for an interesting matchup, a slick boxer against big puncher in what might be a 50-50 fight. Garcia proved that he could compete with a good boxer and ultimately stop one, as we saw on Saturday.
Haney is better than Campbell. Garcia would have to be better, too.
Who wins? Haney UD
***
VASILIY LOMACHENKO
Vasiliy Lomachenko (left) outpointed Luke Campbell in 2019. Richard Heathcote / Getty Images
Why not?
Lomachenko, coming off his unanimous-decision loss to the naturally bigger Lopez on Oct. 17, might opt to move back down to a more natural 130 pounds for his next fight.
That would make sense for him. It would also make sense for him to fight Garcia if he stays at 135.
The 32-year-old Ukrainian was upset by one young hot-shot in Lopez, who beat him at his own game: He outboxed the boxing wizard. Lomachenko (14-2, 10 KOs) suggested that the judges were bribed but most believe he lost fairly and squarely.
The proud former champion presumably would love another crack at an upstart to make amends for what happened against Lopez, particularly one surrounded by so much hype. What better way to bounce back than beat Garcia?
Lomachenko’s name also hasn’t come up as a potential opponent for Garcia but it certainly would win the approval of fans if neither Davis nor Haney is next up. And a victory over a future Hall of Famer would look good on Garcia’s resume.
Garcia might be able to replicate Lopez’s performance, particularly if “Hi-Tech” is in decline, as some have suggested he is. However, that’s difficult to imagine. Lomachenko would be as motivated as ever and Garcia probably isn’t the all-around fighter Lopez is.
Who wins? Lomachenko UD
***
JORGE LINARES
Jorge Linares (right) stopped Carlos Morales on the Ryan Garcia-Francisco Fonseca card. Tom Hogan-Hoganphotos-Golden Boy Promotions
Linares could be the ideal opponent if Garcia and his team decide they want to go conservative for his next fight.
Garcia and Linares were set to fight this past summer when COVID-19 got in the way. They presumably could reach an agreement without too much fuss, which is always a plus when contemplating a matchup.
Of course, Linares (47-5, 29 KOs) isn’t Davis, Lopez, Haney or Lomachenko. He doesn’t have that level of respect, which means a Garcia vs. Linares fight wouldn’t stir the masses like the others would.
That said, Linares is a proven commodity – which wouldn’t hurt the promotion – and he would be perceived by Garcia and Co. as a relatively safe choice, another knockout victim who could set up a big event immediately afterward.
I personally believe that Linares is another careful-what-you-wish-for opponent, even at 35. He’s an excellent boxer and athlete. That said, Garcia would be favored for a reason. This is his time, not that of a man in his mid-30s.
Here are five potential opponents for Ryan Garcia and who would win those fights.
Ryan Garcia came of age with his one-punch knockout of Luke Campbell on Saturday in Dallas.
The 22-year-old lightweight contender was celebrated going into the fight, given his ridiculous social media following. The sensational victory over Campbell took him to the next level, making him one of the hottest boxers in the world.
The question on everyone’s lips now is: Who’s next?
Garcia (21-0, 18 KOs) is fortunate to fight in a division loaded with top-end talent, meaning he has a number of intriguing options. He has repeatedly called out Gervonta Davis, another hot young star. He has mentioned Devin Haney. And there are others who might be in the mix, depending on which direction Garcia wants to go and whether politics can be navigated.
Garcia and Haney are affiliated with DAZN, which would make negotiations seamless. Meanwhile, Davis is a PBC fighter and a few other top 135-pounders are affiliated with Top Rank, which would add obstacles to negotiations.
Still, where there’s a will, there’s a way. And there seems to be a will.
Here are five prospective opponents for Garcia, as well as predictions.
***
GERVONTA DAVIS
Gervonta Davis (left) has at least as much power as Ryan Garcia. Sean Michael Ham / Mayweather Promotions
Garcia has repeatedly called out Davis and reiterated after his knockout of Campbell that he wants “Tank” next. Careful what you wish for.
The matchup would be embraced by fans. And why not? We’re talking about two undefeated young knockout artists on the cusp of become superstars because of their abilities and massive fanbases. It doesn’t get much better than that, at least on paper.
Garcia and Davis (24-0, 23 KOs) are a combined 45-0, with 41 knockouts. That’s enticing stuff.
The problem for Garcia is that Davis has tools of which Campbell could only dream, including power that is off the charts. The punch from Campbell that put Garcia down and hurt him in the second round might’ve knocked his head off if it had been delivered by Davis.
Plus, while they have a similar number of pro fights, Davis, 26, is physically more mature than Garcia and he has more experience in high-level events. One possible advantage for Garcia: He has been full-fledged lightweight his entire career, which isn’t the case for Davis.
If I were Davis, I’d race to the negotiation table to sign the contract for this fight. If I were Garcia, I’d wait. I’m guessing we won’t see this matchup next primarily because it’s too early for Garcia.
Who wins? Davis KO 7
***
TEOFIMO LOPEZ JR.
Teofimo Lopez Jr. (right) had his break-through victory over Vasiliy Lomachenko. Mikey Williams / Top Rank
Lopez, the undisputed lightweight champion, is only one year older than Garcia and has fewer pro fights yet his name doesn’t come up much as a potential opponent for Garcia.
One reason for that might be that Lopez doesn’t have the following of Garcia or Davis even though he has the biggest victory, a unanimous decision over then-No. 1 pound-for-pound king Vasiliy Lomachenko that gave him all four major titles.
Another reason might be politics, as I mentioned in the lead-in. And yet another reason might be Lopez’s ability: He’s probably the best of 135-pound bunch.
Garcia wouldn’t have a single advantage over Lopez (16-0, 12 KOs). The Honduran-American is physically imposing, is at least as quick as Garcia and he can do it all in the ring — box, punch and think. He and Davis, among the top lightweights, are mostly likely to become No. 1 pound-for-pound one day.
That doesn’t mean Garcia wouldn’t have a chance. He obviously is a talented all-around fighter, as he demonstrated against Campbell. Lopez seems to have more unusual qualities, qualities that could lead to greatness.
Who wins? Lopez KO 10
***
DEVIN HANEY
Devin Haney (left) if coming off a victory over Yuriorkis Gamboa. Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing
This matchup makes sense in many ways.
Garcia and Haney (25-0, 15 KOs) are the same age. They have a similar number of fights. While Haney already holds a secondary title, Garcia’s victory over Campbell is more meaningful than any of Haney’s wins. That’s a wash.
It’s an intriguing matchup of unbeaten rising stars even if it doesn’t have the cache of Garcia vs. Davis or Lopez. Fans would buy into it.
And the fight seems to appeal to Garcia. He made it clear after the Campbell fight that he wants to fight Davis first but he also recognized and mentioned Haney, who was in the stands.
“If we can make Devin, let’s make Devin. I’m ready,” he said.
Haney might be the second most gifted pure boxer in the division, after Vasiliy Lomachenko, which makes him a threat to anyone. He’s quick, athletic and smooth. His deficiency might be his relative lack of punching power, which is Garcia’s strength.
That would make for an interesting matchup, a slick boxer against big puncher in what might be a 50-50 fight. Garcia proved that he could compete with a good boxer and ultimately stop one, as we saw on Saturday.
Haney is better than Campbell. Garcia would have to be better, too.
Who wins? Haney UD
***
VASILIY LOMACHENKO
Vasiliy Lomachenko (left) outpointed Luke Campbell in 2019. Richard Heathcote / Getty Images
Why not?
Lomachenko, coming off his unanimous-decision loss to the naturally bigger Lopez on Oct. 17, might opt to move back down to a more natural 130 pounds for his next fight.
That would make sense for him. It would also make sense for him to fight Garcia if he stays at 135.
The 32-year-old Ukrainian was upset by one young hot-shot in Lopez, who beat him at his own game: He outboxed the boxing wizard. Lomachenko (14-2, 10 KOs) suggested that the judges were bribed but most believe he lost fairly and squarely.
The proud former champion presumably would love another crack at an upstart to make amends for what happened against Lopez, particularly one surrounded by so much hype. What better way to bounce back than beat Garcia?
Lomachenko’s name also hasn’t come up as a potential opponent for Garcia but it certainly would win the approval of fans if neither Davis nor Haney is next up. And a victory over a future Hall of Famer would look good on Garcia’s resume.
Garcia might be able to replicate Lopez’s performance, particularly if “Hi-Tech” is in decline, as some have suggested he is. However, that’s difficult to imagine. Lomachenko would be as motivated as ever and Garcia probably isn’t the all-around fighter Lopez is.
Who wins? Lomachenko UD
***
JORGE LINARES
Jorge Linares (right) stopped Carlos Morales on the Ryan Garcia-Francisco Fonseca card. Tom Hogan-Hoganphotos-Golden Boy Promotions
Linares could be the ideal opponent if Garcia and his team decide they want to go conservative for his next fight.
Garcia and Linares were set to fight this past summer when COVID-19 got in the way. They presumably could reach an agreement without too much fuss, which is always a plus when contemplating a matchup.
Of course, Linares (47-5, 29 KOs) isn’t Davis, Lopez, Haney or Lomachenko. He doesn’t have that level of respect, which means a Garcia vs. Linares fight wouldn’t stir the masses like the others would.
That said, Linares is a proven commodity – which wouldn’t hurt the promotion – and he would be perceived by Garcia and Co. as a relatively safe choice, another knockout victim who could set up a big event immediately afterward.
I personally believe that Linares is another careful-what-you-wish-for opponent, even at 35. He’s an excellent boxer and athlete. That said, Garcia would be favored for a reason. This is his time, not that of a man in his mid-30s.
Oscar De La Hoya said that Ryan Garcia ‘became a man’ in his victory over Luke Campbell on Saturday.
Editor’s note: This article was originally posted on DAZN.com.
***
Ryan Garcia’s seventh-round knockout of Luke Campbell on Saturday convinced a lot of doubters that “King Ry” is a bona fide member of a stacked division.
The fact Garcia had to weather a surprising knockdown in Round 2 — the first of his career — made the victory over Campbell all the more impressive, although it gave his team a huge fright.
Oscar De La Hoya, Garcia’s promoter, admitted afterward that the shots his man sustained were as vital to his progress as the pulverizing shot to Campbell’s liver that won the contest.
“It was like a flash knockdown, right? But it was a scary flash knockdown,” De La Hoya said. “And he became a man. That’s all there is to it. He became a man tonight. He needed this fight for validation. He needed this fight to prove to the boxing world that he belongs in there. And he passed with flying colors.
“He did what every great champion does, get right back up, especially from a really vicious [left] hook, it was a vicious [left] hook.”
[lawrence-related id=16950,16940,16907]
So how did De La Hoya rate Garcia’s performance? “A-plus, A-plus,” he said. “He did what he had to do. He took his time, he went after him when he had him hurt in [the sixth round]. People went crazy, and that’s the making of a superstar.”
The victory made Garcia the mandatory challenger to Devin Haney’s secondary title. However. De La Hoya was careful not to commit to anything just yet.
“Yeah, we could possibly see that happen when we’re ready, when Ryan is ready,” De La Hoya said. “Obviously Ryan is ready to face anybody, that’s never a doubt. But it’s gonna be on our terms. …
“And it doesn’t mean business or this and that. No, when he’s ready, when he wants to. Every champion out there needs Ryan Garcia. It’s not the other way around.”
