Lightweight contender Ryan Garcia 22-0 (18) wants to face WBA ‘regular’ 135-pound titleholder Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis 27-0 (25) next is he is successful against Javier ‘El Abejon’ Fortuna 37-3-1 (26) at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California on July 16.
Garcia was originally scheduled to face Fortuna last year before withdrawing from the fight due to mental health concerns.
At the time the 23-year-old Los Angelan was coming off a career-best win over two-time world title challenger Luke Campbell 20-4 (16), climbing off the canvas in round two to stop the British southpaw with a body shot in the seventh frame in January last year.
Garcia has fought just once since. He scored a wide 12-round unanimous decision win over Emmanuel Tagoe 32-2 (15) in San Antonio, Texas in April but looked a little rusty in the process.
“I grew up [in Southern California], I have seen games here, this is Kobe’s house. I identify with him and the Mamba Mentality and I am grateful to be able to fight at the Crypto.com Arena. I have seen every style here and now I am fighting here it’s a dream come true,” Garcia said.
“There have been a few things that have been out of our control that have prevented me from staying active. I feel like with things better now, there are more fights in my future. I haven’t taken any damage. I feel good, I am healthy and ready to go.”
Davis, 27, of Baltimore, Maryland boxed a smart fight to stop Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero 14-1 (12) in the sixth stanza in Brooklyn, New York late last month.
“I want Tank Davis next, that is what I have said. I know that Tank is a big fighter and so am I. Whoever wins that fight is the next face of boxing,” Garcia said.
“I think of every possibility to make fights in boxing. Both parties can come to an agreement, they need to be fair to each other and to the fights. Don’t be greedy, be firm, be fair and let’s look at the data.”
Southpaw Fortuna, 33, of the Dominican Republic isn’t about to lay down to clear the path for a Garcia vs Davis fight.
“I am preparing well. I am looking forward to a good fight. I am not joining you at the press conference today because I am training. I am 100% committed to winning this fight. I am going to be 100% ready,” Fortuna said.
“Ryan is a small fighter. He doesn’t have the capacity and doesn’t have the talent to beat me. I hope he is ready.
“Ryan’s speed doesn’t faze me. I know how to take that away from him. I have the experience to do it. You’ll see during fight night. You’ll see my power. I am looking forward to beating him at his house.”
