Ryan Garcia returned to action last night and made quite the statement with his performance. Continuing his campaign at junior welterweight by facing two-time world champion Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna in front of a star-studded audience at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena. Garcia did not disappoint knocking out Fortuna in six rounds.
The Fight
The action started with Fortuna taking the initiative and going after Garcia. In response Garcia utilized his jab and long punches. He went on to catch Fortuna with a body shot, bringing him down in the fourth round. Fortuna got dropped again in the fifth round. By round six it was a wrap as Garcia dropped Fortuna once more and for good with 27 seconds left to go in the round.
The Performance
Of his performance Garcia said “I know that I performed well for myself. I was crisp, sharp and I stayed in my truth. I didn’t do anything crazy. I know how good of a fighter I am, I just had to put it all together, just like tonight. Fortuna hit hard, he has a hard fist. Like I said when I fight stronger opponents, I box better. Yes, I caught him with a body shot. He thought I was going for the head but I switched it on him. I felt he was going to throw the Luke Campbell shot. I feel like everyone is going to try to hit me with that shot. I hit hard so it doesn’t take much to hurt someone.”
“It felt like [I made] a statement to come back to the timeline I was at. Mental health is a time to reflect on yourself and get better for the future. That’s not weakness, that’s strength! That’s courage! You saw me today when I stepped in the ring. That’s nothing but courage and skill.”
The Future
As to what lies next for Garcia. He’s got Gervonte “Tank” Davis on his mind. He stated “I felt way better at this weight. I’m not going down to 135 for nothing. But I will fight Tank next if he wants it at 140. I’ll make sure to record all the negotiations so you can’t say I was ducking. I want that fight because it’s going to give me the respect I deserve. I’m never afraid. I have a spirit of competition in me and you’re going to see that come out when I fight Tank and whoop his ass.”
Them is fighting words. Yet, before that Tank Davis fight, check out the highlights from Garcia vs. Fortuna here.