Tag Archives: Ryan Garcia

Posted on 09/24/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Caleb Plant is leaving no stone unturned.

The IBF super-middleweight belt holder has recently revealed that he’s taking pointers from newly inducted Hall of Famer, Andre Ward. With Plant scheduled to take on Canelo Alvarez on November 6th, with all of the marbles on the line, the 29-year-old belt holder is attempting to peel away knowledge from the mind of Ward.

As an active fighter, Ward was once considered one of the pound-for-pound best in the world. But while he’s highly respected and viewed as an all-time great, Ryan Garcia believes that his help will ultimately be inconsequential.

“Andre Ward can’t fight for Plant,” said Garcia during an interview with FightHype.com. “It doesn’t matter, you can give all the advice that you want, it’s not going to change anything.”

Regardless of Ward’s help, oddsmakers have seemingly taken the side of Garcia. Currently, Alvarez is pegged as an overwhelming favorite to not only win his unification clash against Plant but to do so before the sound of the final.

In the eyes of the betting public, Plant’s minuscule chances stem from his lack of fights against top-tier competition. The 29-year-old Nashville, Tennessee native may have defended his world title on three separate occasions, but each opponent, by and large, has been viewed as a no-hoper.

Plant easily dispatched of both Mike Lee and Vincent Feigenbutz before sequentially cruising to a unanimous decision victory against Caleb Truax in January earlier this year.

Considering that Alvarez has built his name on the back of former world champions he’s defeated, the Mexican star is firmly entrenched as one of the best fighters in the entire sport.

As Garcia carefully observes the resume of Plant, he can’t help but raise an incredulous eyebrow at his chances. Unless Ward, a former two-division titlist who retired with an undefeated record after 32 pro fights, enters the ring in place of Plant, Garcia simply has a difficult time seeing how their pairing will benefit the IBF titlist in the slightest.

“I don’t even know how Ward would help. You’re still your fighter, you’re still going to be you. I don’t think it’s going to do anything.”

Posted on 09/20/2021

By: Hans Themistode

For a number of years now, Ryan Garcia has called for a showdown against knockout artist, Gervonta Davis. The pair have traded words on social media on numerous occasions, with Garcia claiming that if he was granted a shot at the multiple division titlist, he’ll leave him concussed on the canvas.

Despite his verbal threats, a matchup between the pair has failed to materialize.

While the 23 year old claims that he would love nothing more than to get his hands on his long time rival, the former WBC interim lightweight titlist is coming to both a disappointing and disheartening conclusion.

“He’s not going to fight anybody outside of Mayweather promotions,” said Garcia during a self-recorded video. “That’s what Floyd [Mayweather] said.”

Garcia’s remarks, stem from the comments made by Floyd Mayweather, the promoter of Davis. Following his most recent win, an 11th round stoppage over Mario Barrios, Mayweather made it clear that fighters who were outside of his own promotional company, would essentially have no shot at fighting Davis, at least in the short term.

“We work smarter, not harder,” said Mayweather following yet another knockout win by Davis. “We keep everything in house. Mayweather Promotions, PBC, were all one family. We’re not about to go somewhere and make another company great. We have plenty of fighters at 140, 135 and 130.”

With Garcia closely aligned with Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions, the young star believes that his chances of fighting Davis are essentially slim to none. Furthermore, with names such as Devin Haney, Teofimo Lopez, Shakur Stevenson and a long list of others currently under different promotional banners, Garcia is convinced that team Davis will use this as an opportunity to eschew from the rest of the competition.

“Gervonta is just never gonna fight I don’t think anybody that you want him to fight. He doesn’t want to fight anybody tough, it’s just not in his nature.”

Those thoughts, however, are simply erroneous according to Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. If Garcia continues to spread what he classifies as false pretenses, then Ellerbe has revealed that he will have no choice but to release proof of what really took place behind closed doors.

“Ryan Garcia this not it for real,” said Ellerbe on his social media account. “You know damn well what time of day it is so please stop fronting for the fans. You know damn well I tried to make that fight and your promoter said you had other plans. Don’t have me put the doc out there and expose it. Stop playing.”

Posted on 07/26/2021

By: Hans Themistode

An epiphany of sorts suddenly hit Devin Haney this past weekend.

Coming off the biggest win of his career against former multiple division champion Jorge Linares on May 29th, the WBC lightweight titlist is anxious to get back in the ring. With that said, he believes the feeling isn’t exactly mutual for many of the division’s top names.

“I’m the most avoided fighter in boxing today,” said Haney on his social media account.

Haney’s belief that many fighters are hesitant to step into the ring with him stems from what he deems is a guaranteed title shot, when it’s their turn in the pecking order.

For starters, former WBC lightweight interim champion Ryan Garcia was appointed as the mandatory challenger to Haney’s title. While the undefeated California native could have taken him on, he opted to face Luke Campbell instead, stopping him in the 7th round earlier this year. Garcia’s reasoning behind moving away from a fight with Haney was that he believed their contest should be given more time to build into a mega event.

Recently, Joseph Diaz, a former titleholder at 130 pounds, moved up in weight to challenge Javier Fortuna. With their contest listed as a title eliminator, Diaz took hold of the WBC interim crown once he was announced the winner on July 9th. Since then, the newly turned 135-pound contender has openly called for a showdown with Haney.

With that said, rumors have surfaced that Diaz could be a potential opponent for either Garcia, or multiple division champion, Gervonta Davis.

News of yet another mandatory challenger possibly heading in another direction has prompted Haney (26-0, 15 KOs) to simply shake his head. In short, the Las Vegas resident can’t recall anything even remotely close to this happening in the history of boxing.

“These fighters need to stop with the excuses,” continued Haney. “If you don’t wanna fight me just say that. This will be the first time in history that you see two mandatories opt-out to fight the champion.”

While Haney has grown irritated with what he feels is a lack of opponents stepping up to the plate, he remains hopeful that he’ll draw a big name for his next ring outing. Until then, the 22-year-old will continue to publicly castigate those who fail to face him.

Posted on 07/24/2021

By: Hans Themistode

After picking up the biggest win of his career, a seventh-round stoppage against Luke Campbell earlier this year, Ryan Garcia appeared to be on top of the boxing world. The highly-rated lightweight contender had his pick of the litter in terms of who he could face next. Yet, with the California native pulling out his showdown against former multiple division champion, Javier Fortuna, due to mental health concerns, Joseph Diaz stepped up to the plate.

The former 130-pound belt holder opted to move up in weight to take on his naturally bigger opponent. With Diaz picking up the win and with Garcia resume his training under the tutelage of trainer Eddy Reynoso, a matchup between the two is currently being discussed.

If, in fact, a matchup does materialize, Diaz is convinced that his past ring experiences will give him the edge.

“I’m going to take him to a place he’s never been before, physically and mentally,” said Diaz during an interview with ESPN. “Ryan Garcia, I feel like he’s a very talented fighter but he’s never been in the ring with the guys I’ve been in the ring with: some warriors trying to take your head off, not guys I’m going to put on a highlight reel.”

While many of boxing’s biggest fights have been met with several promotional roadblocks, Diaz vs. Garcia figures to be easy to make. Both fighters are under the same banner, Golden Boy Promotions.

Diaz, 28, seemingly has no interest in moving back down to 130 pounds. On more than one occasion, the stocky southpaw struggled on the scales. In his lone appearance at 135, he appeared powerful for the weight.

While a deal is far away from being consummated, should it come to fruition, Diaz figures to be a significant underdog. The fast and flashy Garcia has built an incredible fan base and has left most of his opponents comatose within minutes.

Still, despite the highlight reels, Diaz is unafraid of what Garcia brings to the table. As a matter of fact, the California native not only exudes an incredible amount of hubris heading into their possible showdown but he’s also certain that he’ll get the job done before the final bell.

“I think I’ll stop Ryan in the later rounds. My pressure and body shots will be too much for him. He’ll be feeling my shots and trying to hold and hug but I think my overwhelmingness will be one of the keys to victory.”

Posted on 06/14/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Ryan Garcia’s stock had never been higher. After peeling himself up off the deck against Luke Campbell in his most recent contest, Garcia went on to stop the perennial contender in the seventh round.

With Garcia officially showing what he was made of, the WBC interim lightweight champion was pegged to continue his rise to superstardom. Most recently, Garcia was scheduled to take on multiple division champion Javier Fortuna. However, the California native opted to walk away from their showdown, citing mental health issues.

Now, after taking a bit of time away to get his mind right, Garcia had a special message to everyone in the boxing world as he eyes his return.

“I’m coming back guys, ready to destroy shit,” said Garcia during a self-recorded video. “Anxiety tried to kill me, f*ck that. I’m coming back and I’m going to be coming with a vengeance, entertaining the fans, the people.”

Although Garcia has refrained from entering the ring, the 22-year-old has made his presence known. Most recently, Garcia was spotted in the corner of social media star Logan Paul, claiming that Paul would go on to beat Floyd Mayweather during their showdown that took place a few weeks ago.

With Garcia now officially eyeing his return, the highly-rated contender will have several options. For starters, Garcia could opt to take on the winner between his previously named opponent in Javier Fortuna and former 126-pound champion, Joseph Diaz. Garcia could also opt to skip every other highly rated contender and choose to take on full belt holder Devin Haney. On numerous occasions, Haney has stated that he would love a showdown against his former amateur rival. Both faced off a total of four times in the unpaid ranks with the pair pocketing two wins apiece.

Still, while Garcia’s options stretch a mile long, he can’t say the same for his fan base. Originally, after announcing that he would be taking a break to address his mental health issues, Garcia received a ton of criticism. Although he mostly remaining quiet, he hasn’t forgotten about those who turned their back on him. Now, with his return seemingly close, Garcia would much rather those who abandoned him, stay far away.

“I’ve been out for a little bit. The people who stuck with me and stayed supporting, love y’all. Whoever left, stay left.”

Posted on 04/13/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Despite claiming that he is only interested in facing either Gervonta Davis or Manny Pacquiao, Ryan Garcia will reportedly settle for a lesser-known foe.

Garcia, the interim WBC lightweight champion, will face off against multiple division champion Javier Fortuna on July 9th from a yet-to-be-determined location.

The 22-year-old California native is coming off his most impressive win to date, a seventh-round stoppage victory over lightweight contender Luke Campbell on the second day of the New Year. Garcia picked himself up off the deck in round two and subsequently dropped and later stopped Campbell in the seventh round.

Oscar De La Hoya, Garcia’s promoter, believes his young star is inlined for a similar performance come July 9th.

“Little by little, Ryan Garcia is silencing all of the skeptics,” said De La Hoya. “The only way to keep doing that is by continually facing tougher challenges. Javier Fortuna is an experienced southpaw who can be very slippery when he wants to avoid punches. It’s a dangerous fight for Ryan, but I expect him to show newer elements in his arsenal before ending matters by knockout.”

For Garcia, his showdown against Fortuna represents arguably the most difficult fight of his career, but one many weren’t expecting. Following his highlight reel level knockout over Campbell, Garcia revealed that he was deep in negotiations with Manny Pacquiao for what Garcia described as his “dream bout.”

For reasons that are unclear, negotiations between the pair never materialized as both sides pointed a blaming finger in the direction of the other. Still, even without a Pacquiao showdown on the table, Garcia held the mandatory position to face full WBC belt holder Devin Haney. Yet, it was reported that both sides would rather wait for the moment until their contest builds more momentum to generate an even bigger buzz.

Haney, 22, will now face former multiple division champion Jorge Linares on May 29th in Las Vegas. A win for both Garcia and Haney could see the two young stars share the ring with one another later on this year.

Seemingly ready to throw a monkey wrench into the Frey is Fortuna. The 31-year-old has reeled off three straight victories, including two by knockout since a controversial split decision loss against Robert Easter Jr. in 2018.

With the possibility of facing either Haney or long-time rival Gervonta Davis seemingly on the table, Garcia is fully aware of what’s at stake. He’s also conscious of the danger that lies ahead come July 9th.

“Fortuna is eager and will be ready,” said Garcia. “But so will I.”

Posted on 01/17/2021

By: Hans Themistode

At one point in time, Gervonta Davis believed a showdown with lightweight contender Ryan Garcia was a bit too early. Now, however, it appears Garcia has come of age as Davis isn’t only interested in the bout, he’s pursuing it at all costs.

“I’m pushing for it for sure,” said Davis during an interview with boxingscene.com.

For Davis, a look of contrition would come across his face over the years whenever Garcia mentioned his name. With a minimal amount of experience under his belt at the time, along with not being allowed to even purchase alcohol, Davis (24-0, 23 KOs) simply believed that Garcia was far too green to face him in the ring. Now, he simply can’t wait to take on the California native.

In Garcia’s most recent ring appearance, he seemingly proved that he isn’t only style but also substance. On the second day of the new year, Garcia (21-0, 18 KOs) was forced to pick himself up off the canvas against contender Luke Campbell. Not only did he dust himself off, but in doing so, he was given his defining moment as he went on to stop Campbell in the seventh round.

Following the win, Garcia immediately grabbed the microphone and called out Davis once again. By all accounts, his nonstop mentions of Davis along with his captivating performance has worked. No longer is the former two-division world titlist under the impression that Garcia is no longer worth his time.

In fact, Davis, 26, is anxious to add Garcia’s name to the long list of contenders that have folded underneath his one-punch knockout power.

“Everybody said they’re on board with it, so it shouldn’t be that hard [to make]. I just keep asking them over and over, [promoters] Leonard[Ellerbe] and Floyd [Mayweather]. I think Floyd wants the fight to happen, so it shouldn’t be hard to make.”

Posted on 01/05/2021

By: Hans Themistode

It doesn’t matter how many knockout wins Gervonta Davis piles up. Nor does it matter how fat his bank account gets after every explosive win.

The moment he decides to hang up his gloves for good, he’ll quickly be forgotten. Unless, of course, he does one thing and one thing only.

“Gervonta, if you do not take this fight with me you will not be remembered,” said lightweight contender Ryan Garcia during an interview with TMZ Sports. “Your legacy will forever be tainted.”

Garcia’s perpetual call outs of Davis (24-0, 23 KOs) date back several years now. For whatever reason, the 22-year-old has always wanted a piece of the lightweight WBA “Regular” belt holder. While Davis has regurgitated over and over again that Garcia is just too small and too young, his latest performance has seemingly changed his mind.

Just a few days ago, Garcia (21-0, 18 KOs) started his 2021 with a bang. In the main event slot in Dallas, Texas at the American Airlines Center, the California native had his chin checked by Britain’s Luke Campbell. In the second round of a fairly even contest, Campbell landed a left hook that saw Garcia tilt over and hit the deck. To his credit though, he peeled himself off the canvas and stopped his man in the seventh.

The smiles that accompanied his gritty performance may have been from ear to ear but they were also transient.

“I don’t have time for celebrations,” explained Garcia. “I’m on one mission to knock out Gervonta Davis in two rounds. This man will go down. Two rounds, that’s a promise.”

As for Davis, the surly knockout artist has continued to clock out earlier than his 12 round shift intended. In front of a socially distanced crowd at the Alamodome in San Antonio Texas, on Halloween night, the Baltimore native scored a knockout of the year candidate against Leo Santa Cruz in the sixth round.

He’s been mostly mum on the topic of facing Garcia. However, the two division titlist has stated on numerous occasions that he is willing to face anyone.

Posted on 01/03/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Luke Campbell has been hit with some hard shots during his career. None however, have left him as debilitated as Ryan Garcia’s left hook to the body did last night at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

Before Garcia (21-0, 18 KOs) drilled his man in the seventh round of their contest, Campbell appeared to be just fine. Outside of the fifth round where he was visibly hurt, the lightweight contender had his poker face on for most of the night.

Still, even as he kept a straight face as Garcia’s shots zipped past his face and occasionally found a home, Campbell admitted that the shot that ultimately ended the night, as well as those that came before it, were unlike anything he’s ever felt.

“He’s very heavy-handed,” said Campbell following his defeat. “Even when I was blocking the shots, I could feel them. That was the hardest shot I was ever hit with. I was having a good round in the seventh, but that was just a fantastic body shot. I was ready to attack again and he just timed the punch perfectly. I wanted to beat the count but just couldn’t.”

Campbell, 33, has grown accustomed to hitting the deck during the course of his career. After all, he found himself there in showdowns against Vasiliy Lomachenko, Algenis Mendez, Jorge Linares and Yvan Mendy.

Yet, no matter how many times the British native fell, he always dusted himself off and continued to fight. Nevertheless, his resiliency went by the wayside the moment Garcia landed his picture-perfect body shot.

“I tried and tried to get up, but I couldn’t. I felt him coming on, and I was moving back. When you move back my body relaxed a little bit and that’s the exact time he hit me.”

The agony etched on Campbell’s face was a stark difference from the one that displayed pure confidence just a few rounds before. After a fairly even opening round, Campbell (20-4, 16 KOs) connected with a left hook which sent his man to the deck for the first time in his career. To the credit of Garcia, he bounced right back as if nothing ever happened.

For Campbell, the shot that landed Garcia on the seat of his pants had the full force of his power behind it. So while he stood in his corner and watched Garcia rise back to his feet, Campbell almost couldn’t believe it.

“He did so well to get up from the shot in the second round. I felt that through my arm and knew it was a beauty but all credit to him. He got up and showed he’s got real heart.”

Posted on 01/03/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Long before Canelo Alvarez claimed a spot in his boxing life, lightweight contender Ryan Garcia was already making a name for himself.

The California native was followed by millions on his social media platforms for numerous reasons. His looks, of course, drew attention. But so did his boxing skills. Yet, for whatever reason, Garcia seemingly plateaued in 2018.

With a majority decision win against Carlos Morales, Garcia decided it was time to make a change, bringing in 2019 trainer of the year Eddy Reynoso. For two years the pair, along with Canelo Alvarez, worked closely together.

Results showed immediately as Garcia scored knockout after knockout win. In his latest ring appearance, Garcia pulled himself up off the deck against 2012 Olympic gold medalist Luke Campbell to stop his man in the seventh. Following the win, Garcia was elated that he was able to overcome such adversity.

The praise he’s received for his monumental win has been nonstop. But while he appreciates all of the pats on the back, Garcia took the time to pay homage to the orchestrator of his career turn around.

“I wouldn’t be as good as I am if I didn’t have you,” said Garcia to Alvarez after his stoppage victory. “You inspire me.”

For Garcia, the deleterious body shot he landed that folded Campbell may have come as a surprise to many, but for both Garcia and Alvarez, that very shot was planned and expected.

With Alvarez fresh off his own one-sided victory against Callum Smith on December 19th, Garcia was given a chance to not only watch the pound for pound star during his training camp but pick his brain as well.

Ryan Garcia has been learning from Canelo Alvarez ahead of his fight with Luke Campbell tomorrow night…

[📽️ Henry Garcia] pic.twitter.com/PbfWPpx2iX

— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) January 1, 2021

Garcia proved to be a quick learner as he used those tips in the seventh to score the highlight reel finish.

For Garcia, the win over Campbell allowed him to prove he is in fact on his way to stardom. For years the 22-year-old has been accused of overhyping himself without actually earning it in the ring. Now, with the first big-name scalp on his resume, the California native believes he’s ready for them all.

“Let’s go Tank (Gervonta Davis), Let’s go. I’m ready,” said Garcia during a post fight interview with Chris Mannix. “Shout out Devin Haney, I wanna fight him too. I wanna fight everybody.”

Posted on 01/02/2021

By: Hans Themistode

The critics of Ryan Garcia (21-0, 18 KOs) were officially muted. At least temporarily. For years now, the young lightweight contender has been told that his good looks and flashy combinations on the heavy bag were good for social media, but not for boxing.

Coming into his lightweight showdown against multiple time title challenger Luke Campbell, Garcia was viewed as the prohibited favorite. Still, there were those who questioned what he was made of. Tonight, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, he showed that he isn’t just style but also substance.

Things started off just how Garcia was hoping for in round one. The California native easily outboxed his man and pocketed the opening frame. The following however, everything went wrong.

Garcia took the center of the ring and attempted to find his range. He seemed to be in complete control until a left hand from Campbell sent him to the deck. The socially distanced crowd rose to its feet while Garcia did the same. For the duration of the round, the 22-year-old grabbed and held in an attempt to clear his head.

The news headlines began writing themselves in between rounds. “We told you so,” “Not all that,” and a slew of other words were beginning to find their way across boxing pages everywhere.

But while pundits began writing his obituary, Garcia started his comeback. In round three, there was no fear of getting dropped again coming from Garcia as he came straight ahead. He banked the round convincingly behind a stiff jab and overhand right. Winning rounds began repetitive as Garcia continued his aggression.

The fifth was Garcia’s most impressive as he had his man visibly hurt. Campbell (20-4, 16 KOs), to his credit, fought back but as round seven rolled by, there was reason to believe that the fight was slipping through his fingers.

During the build-up of their showdown, Garcia believed that he would not only win but do so impressively. A right hand to the body would prove him to be correct as Campbell crumpled over from the shot. Something he would never recover from.

The win for Garcia places him in the mandatory position for WBC lightweight titlist Devin Haney. While Garcia has said on numerous occasions that he would entertain a possible matchup, the 22-year-old was adamant about facing WBA belt holder Gervonta “Tank” Davis in his next contest.

“I’m a man of my word,” said Garcia immediately following his win. “Let’s go Tank, Let’s go. I’m ready.”

Posted on 01/02/2021

By: Hans Themistode

At times, it’s hard to see exactly what’s happening.

Fans of lightweight contender Ryan Garcia frantically search for their remotes whenever he steps foot inside of the ring. Once found, they immediately press the slow down button to catch exactly what happened.

For Garcia, the California native has become known for overwhelming his opponents with blinding speed but also power. A trait that his latest opponent in Francisco Fonseca learned the hard way. After wobbling his man with a left hook within the first minute of their fight early this year, Garcia (20-0, 17 KOs) closed the show a few seconds with the same punch.

Again, in real-time, the fight-ending shot was hard to spot. For perennial contender Luke Campbell, he’s spent plenty of time hitting the rewind and slowdown buttons during many of Garcia’s bouts as he educates himself on what’s to come when the two face off later on tonight at the American Airlines Center, in Dallas Texas.

Campbell (20-3, 16 KOs) admits that the speed is impressive, but he has one simplistic game plan to counter that.

“Timing beats speed,” said Campbell during a recent interview with FightHype.

Garcia’s main attribute might be his trademark speed but with four straight knockout wins under his belt, Campbell isn’t underestimating his power. With that said, the British native doesn’t believe that he’s a feather fisted fighter.

“I’d be a fool not to respect what brings but I believe I have power in both hands.”

For Campbell, the multiple-time title challenger is attempting to erase the second place stigma currently surrounding his career. With three losses plastered on his record against the likes of Yvan Mendy, Jorge Linares and Vasiliy Lomachenko – Campbell, by and large, is viewed as good, but not good enough.

Those losses however, took place at a different time in his life. At the age of 33, the 2012 Olympic gold medalist believes he’s a much different fighter.

“I’m more mature, I’m wise. I just believe that it’s my time.”

Posted on 01/01/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Lightweight contenders Ryan Garcia and Luke Campbell have told everyone for months that this fight was of the utmost importance. So it came as no surprise when both jumped onto the scales completely shredded for their main event tomorrow night at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

First up was the definitive underdog in Campbell. Covered in the now traditional face mask and shoe coverings, Campbell (20-3, 16 KOs) stepped onto the scale at 135 pounds even. Immediately following him was Garcia as he shadowed boxed in the background before weighing in at 135 pounds as well.

Immediately following the weigh-ins, both fighters waited while a glass window was set up as part of the social distancing protocols. From there, they stared at one another for one final time before they meet tomorrow night.

For Campbell, his showdown against Garcia (20-0, 17 KOs) will represent his first since a unanimous decision loss to Vasiliy Lomachenko roughly 16 months ago. His recent inactivity has been due to various reasons which include contracting COVID-19 in early November. Despite the time spent on the sidelines, Campbell has been unnerved during the build-up.

“I think I’ll break him down, hurt him and stop him late,” said Campbell during a recent interview with Dailymail.

Talk of Campbell scoring the stoppage win against Garcia would come as a surprise to the betting public and to the millions of followers the California native has garnered over the years across his social media platforms.

With trainer Eddy Reynoso and pound for pound star Canelo Alvarez firmly in his corner since 2018, Garcia has scored four straight wins, his latest two coming via first-round stoppage.

The entire event will be shown on the streaming app DAZN. Fans stateside will have to tune in earlier than normal as things kick off at 3 p.m. eastern time with the main event slated to begin roughly four hours later at 7 p.m.

Posted on 12/30/2020

By: Hans Themistode

Lightweight contender Ryan Garcia has heard it all. The flamboyant 22-year-old has been flattered with comments surrounding his good looks and sublime boxing skills. But he’s also heard the chatter revolving around his subpar opponents and penchant for garnering more attention due to his flashy combinations on the heavy bag as opposed to the talent he has displayed in the ring.

Despite the noise, Garcia (20-0, 17 KOs) has thrown his blinders on and focused solely on Luke Campbell, his opponent this coming weekend. While the 22-year-old by and large has worked diligently with trainer Eddy Reynoso, that doesn’t mean he isn’t listening and taking mental notes.

“He hears those whispers,” said promoter of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya to Fight Hub TV. “How he can’t be a world champion and how he can’t beat this guy or that guy but that’s fuel to the flame. This is the perfect fight where he can really shine and become a superstar.”

In terms of his contemporaries such as Gervonta Davis, Teofimo Lopez, Vasiliy Lomachenko and Devin Haney – Garcia, according to most, is viewed as inferior. Yet, when juxtaposed to his opponent this Saturday night in Luke Campbell (20-3, 16 KOs), Garcia finds himself as a heavy favorite, something De La Hoya struggles to wrap his mind around.

“A lot of people are saying that but its mind-boggling to me how spread out the favoritism is but it’s a dangerous fight. This is a very dangerous fight for Ryan Garcia. It won’t be a walk in the park but I still feel that Ryan Garcia is going to make a statement in this fight.”

Since teaming up with his newfound trainer in Eddy Reynoso roughly a year and a half ago, the pair have outdone their previous performances. In his last two showdowns, Garcia has barely broken a sweat, needing less than two minutes, to care of business.

Regardless of Campbell winning Olympic gold in 2012 and despite going the distance with some of the best fighters in the lightweight division such as Jorge Linares and the aforementioned Vasiliy Lomachenko, Garcia doesn’t expect a long night at the office.

For De La Hoya however, beating Campbell is something he’s confident that Garcia will do. Stopping him on the other hand, will take something special.

“I can see Ryan getting frustrated a bit because he doesn’t knock him out in the first few rounds but that’s where you have to expose your greatness. If you’re destined to be great then that’s when you have to show it. You have to adjust. You have to make those little adjustments to figure out your opponent. Can Ryan Garcia knockout Luke Campbell? Absolutely, if he has greatness in him so we’ll see January 2nd.”

Posted on 10/27/2020

By: Hans Themistode

Gervonta Davis is taking his showdown with Leo Santa Cruz more seriously than any other fight in his professional career. So much so, that he has moved his camp from the comfort of his Baltimore hometown to the steaming desert of Las Vegas, Nevada. 

By all accounts, the move for Davis (23-0, 22 KOs) has proven to be a sagacious one as he has claimed that the time away from familiar faces has allowed him to focus better than ever before. Now, with only a few days left until he takes on the four division world titlist, Davis believes his preparation will lead him to victory. For Santa Cruz on the other hand, he’ll have a quick and painful night if he hasn’t equally been as diligent in his own preparation. 

“He better come prepared,” said Davis in an interview with ESNEWS. “If not, he’s going to sleep.”

For Davis, the concussive power that he brings to the ring has led to an early night whether or not his opponents have come in prepared or not. Amongst the long list of opponents that have felt his power is former two division world champion Jose Pedraza. The Puerto Rican native implemented a come forward, aggressive game plan when the two fought in January of 2017. The success however, was few and far between as Davis won their contest via seventh round stoppage. 

With Santa Cruz claiming that he will implore a similar game plan in an effort to “drown,” Davis in the championship rounds, the Baltimore product is hoping that he stays true to his word.

“I see he keep talking about he’s going to press me but that isn’t going to be a good way to do it. Pedraza tried to press me and you seen the outcome.”

Whether Davis stops his man in the same fashion in which he has done most of his opponents, or if he strolls his way to a unanimous decision, the 25 year old is already looking ahead. 

Roughly five weeks after his contest with Santa Cruz, Davis will have front row tickets to watch fellow 135 pounders in Ryan Garcia and Luke Campbell face off for the WBC interim title. Although he couldn’t pick a winner, Davis did make it clear that following his victory, he doesn’t plan on taking a break as he eyes the winner.

“After this fight I’m going to get right back in the gym cause I want to fight the winner between Ryan and Campbell.”