Hall of Famer and veteran trainer Teddy Atlas views lightweight contender Ryan Garcia (20-0, 17 KOs) as potentially being the next superstar of the sport - and as big of a star as Saul "Canelo" Alvarez, who is arguably the face of boxing in the United States.
Garcia, only 21-years-old, has explosive power, fast hands, the looks of a model, and a massive following on social media.
Garcia and Canelo now share the same trainer in Eddy Reynoso. Canelo, who himself became a superstar as a teenager, is mentoring the younger Garcia.
Canelo became a star under Golden Boy Promotions. And Garcia's career is also being guided by Oscar De La Hoya's company.
"Ryan Garcia might be the next golden goose, and he may be the next Golden Boy [De La Hoya's nickname]. And he might be the next Canelo because he is Latino. He has a great market, he has a great image and he knows how to fight. He hasn't fought with anyone yet, he has not been tested, but he seems to have talent and capacity," explained Atlas to La Opinion.
“He's an undefeated guy and he scores knockouts. You can market this guy and you can build your business around this guy. You can let him be the successor to the throne of Canelo. That's how important guy is and can be for Golden Boy Promotions."
Garcia is targeting Jorge Linares and Gervonta Davis, whom he has publicly challenged to have a fight. With Linares it was speculated that Garcua could face him in June - but that scenario was pushed back due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Garcia hopes to face both Linares and Davis within the next twelve months.
