By Steve Kim
With his recent run of strong showings on the 'Golden Boy on ESPN' series, super featherweight prospect, Ryan Garcia (12-0, 11 KO's) has opened eyes of many boxing observers as he has thrashed the likes of Miguel Carrizoza (KO1) and most recently Cesar Valenzuela (TKO3) last Thursday night in Tucson, Arizoza in impressive fashion.
'King' Ryan is still just 19 years old, meaning time is on his side.
When asked how he would deal with this dynamic, Golden Boy Promotions matchmaker, Robert Diaz, told BoxingScene.com - "You handle it as he's progressing. Look, at this point his last two tests were made to look very easy. That's the hard work he's put in the gym, that's the talent he has in the ring. But they were not supposed to be easy. They were durable opponents.
"Look, Valenzuela went eight rounds with Carlos Morales in a close fight and Ryan went in there and dominated. What I like about the fight is the way he went into the ring from round one. There was a confidence in stalking him and good defense. The defense got tight and it was a taller opponent so he adjusted. He smells blood and he goes for the kill."
Garcia possesses lightning fast reflexes and a lethal left hook. His recent outings have caught the attention of the brass at Golden Boy.
"Oscar (De La Hoya, the founder of Golden Boy) wants to see him and we all want to see him before the end of the year," said Diaz, who will place him on one of their remaining cards in 2017.
As for how he's guided in 2018, Diaz states - "He's progressing very well, the last couple of fights were supposed to be tests and he passed with flying colors. So next year we step it up, I think after one more fight this year he's ready for ten rounders. Pretty soon maybe ready for a main event on ESPN. I'd like to see him with a step-up opponent, maybe a kid that fought for a world title before.
"I think he's going to move very fast with the amateur experience and with what he's showing up in the ring so far."
Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com