In his first fight of the year, Ryan Garcia makes his much-awaited return to the ring this Saturday, seeking professional redemption. After a definitive loss to Gervonta Davis, which cost him his undefeated record, he now faces Devin Haney in his first world title fight, competing for the WBC super lightweight belt in a match whose outcome is difficult to predict.
The atmosphere for this Saturday’s fight at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY is heating up. Both fighters have repeatedly exchanged insults, and Haney (31-0-0, with 15 KOs) will risk his unbeaten record against Ryan Garcia (24-1-0, with 20 KOs), who is also known for his punching power, though some analysts believe he has fewer technical skills than his opponent.
Moreover, ‘King Ry’ arrives amid many doubts outside the ring, concerning his personal life and issues that have not only affected his access to major fight cards but have also raised concerns about his emotional health.
Garcia himself has admitted to suffering from severe depression, which kept him out of the ring for 15 months, and his breakup with coach Eddie Reynoso, who claimed Garcia lacked the commitment needed for preparation. Garcia has also stated that he felt “like he was dead and had his throat cut.”
Ryan Garcia’s Technical Profile:
- Name: Ryan Garcia
- Nickname: King Ry
- Place of Birth: Alamitos, California
- Age: 25
- Height: 5′ 7″
- Reach: 5′ 8″
- Record: 24-1-0, 20 knockouts
- Knockout Rate: 83.33%
- Rounds Fought: 110
- Last Fight: December 2, 2023, a knockout victory over Óscar Duarte in the eighth round.
When did Ryan Garcia start boxing?
‘King Ry’ began boxing at the age of seven and by 18, represented the United States at the 2016 Rio Olympics. He became a 15-time national amateur champion with a record of 215-15.
He turned professional in June 2016, defeating Edgar Meza by technical knockout in the first round. Since then, at the age of 25, Garcia has become the leading figure of Golden Boy Promotions. During this time, he has won titles such as the WBC Silver and interim belts.
However, in 2021, he admitted to suffering from depression and alcohol issues, as well as a right wrist injury that sidelined him for 15 months.
He has also revealed that he was sexually abused at the age of two. Despite these challenges, he continues to fight to solidify his promotional career as one of the rising stars of American boxing.