Ryan Garcia: Campbell Talks A Lot Of Sh-t, I'm Going Prove To Everyone He Doesn't Have It
Dec 31, 2020 • 8:24 AM ET
No matter what comes of 2021, Ryan Garcia can boast the honor of headlining the year’s first stateside show.
The earlier-than-usual start to big time boxing in the U.S. works to the benefit of the 22-year old García who has a chance to make a splash in his upcoming interim lightweight title fight versus England’s Luke Campbell (20-3, 16KOs). The two collide on Jan. 2, live on DAZN from American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
“To be able to have the whole world of boxing (watching) is everything I’ve always dreamed of,” García told host Mario Lopez during a virtual press conference to announce the event. “I’ve always wanted to show everybody why I’m gonna be the best fighter in the world in this next era.
“This is how it’s supposed to be written. The stars are all aligned. Everybody is gonna be watching around the world. My goal is to inspire the world. This is the perfect opportunity to do it.”
García (20-0, 17KOs) has been out of the ring since an 80-second destruction of former two-time title challenger Francisco Fonseca this past February in front of a sold-out crowd of 10,000 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. It was the second consecutive 1st round knockout for the unbeaten lightweight from Victorville, California, though apparently still not enough to convince the critics that he’s ready for the elite level of the loaded lightweight division.
It has been repeatedly suggested that García is in for his toughest test in Campbell, a 2012 Olympic Gold medalist for Great Britain and two-time title challenger. On paper, it’s the most competitive fight of García’s young career and one which his opponent has made a point to reference in his own plans to spoil the party.
“He talks a lot of sh-t, that he’s gonna KO me,” notes García, who has stopped each of his last four opponents since enlisting the services of trainer Eddy Reynoso. “To be honest, anytime a guy shouldn’t be in the ring with me, I got them out of there real quick. So, I’m going to prove to everyone that Luke Campbell doesn’t have it.
“It’s my time, my era. I’m gonna show the world who I’m really am. I’m not here to play games. I’m tired of hearing all the misconceptions about me on Instagram. They don’t know the work I put in. This is my time. This is my moment and I’m ready to show the world.”
Jake Donovan is a senior writer for @BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
Jake Donovan is an award-winning journalist who served as senior writer for BoxingScene from 2007-2024, and news editor for the final nine years of his first tour. He was also the lead writer for The Ring before his decision to return home.
