Undefeated, lightweight superstar Ryan Garcia returns to the ring for his second appearance of the year. This time he faces former two-time world champion Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna. Garcia and Fortuna will face off in a 12-round lightweight fight will take place on Saturday, July 16th.
The History
Garcia was originally scheduled to face Fortuna in July 2021. However, Garcia was forced to bow out of the event due to mental health struggles. He returned to the ring earlier in the year and put on a shutout performance against Emmanuel Tagoe. Prior to that he earned a seventh-round stoppage of 2012 Olympic gold medalist Luke Campbell in 2021 but hit the mat in that outing and faced a few challenges before putting Campbell away. Sporting an undefeated record with 18 knockouts inside the ring Garcia has been a lightweight prospect in position to win a world title and get big money fights against the likes of Gervonta Davis, Teofimo Lopez or Vasyli Lomechencho.
Before that however he must get past Fortuna. Ranked in the top 10 of the lightweight division by ESPN.com, the WBC, and The Ring Magazine, Javier Fortuna is a dangerous lightweight contender with a lot to prove on July 16. The 33-year-old southpaw is a former two-time world champion who previously held the WBA Interim Featherweight World Championship and the WBA Super Featherweight World Championship. Fortuna was last seen in a spectacular first round stoppage of Rafael Hernandez in Santo Domingo, DR this past February and will be looking to have another spectacular performance when he faces Ryan Garcia on July 16.
Garcia On Fortuna
“If there is any doubt, I was hesitant to fight Fortuna a year ago, that will all be made clear after our fight,” said Ryan Garcia. “This was the fight I wanted and now it’s time. I am so grateful to my friends, family, and especially my fans for their support. I have never felt better, stronger, and more motivated. It’s time to silence all the doubters and it starts on July 16.”
Fortuna On Garcia
“This is going to be a very exciting fight. I know it didn’t take place last year like originally announced but I hope that this time it will be real so that I can offer a good show to the public,” said Javier Fortuna. “I feel very happy with the work that I have been doing with my promoter, Sampson who has been trusting me since the beginning of my career. I will prepare 100% to win my fight. I trust my team now more than ever and have full confidence in my coach Belvin García, who I consider my family. Together, and with God on our side, I know we will hold up our hands high in victory on fight night.”