Garcia looked much improved, demonstrating his speed and power with enhanced skills. Offensively, he added a right hand and increased mobility, being able to swiftly move laterally as never before. Ryan had stated this would be a do-or-die moment, and he delivered.
This was his moment, and he seized it. As champion, he now has an open book of options for future opponents; he’s in the driver’s seat. Shakur Stevenson was present to witness Garcia’s victory, as was Rolly Romero, both viable options.
Although Ryan called out Shakur after being announced the winner, at the post-fight press conference, Garcia said he really wants to fight Devin Haney. Both are champions, have personal history, and the fight itself would generate great fan interest.
Barrios hired Joe Goossen to train him against his former fighter, expecting to gain an advantage, but he couldn’t capitalize on the insider knowledge he possessed. Instead, it was Garcia who turned the tables on them, changing expectations. He demonstrated effective and precise punch selection and was much more than just his signature left hook.
A focused and dedicated Ryan is dangerous. “I knew they were going to be preparing for the left hook, left hook, Ryan Garcia’s left hook…left hook. It was kinda common sense to keep throwing that right hand,” said Ryan of his game plan.
“It feels good to finally be a world champion. This is something I’ve been dreaming of since I was seven years old,” said Ryan of his victory at the post-fight presser. He’s never been a fighter to shy away from tough fights; win or lose, he’ll fight the best.
Having fought the likes of Gervonta Davis, Devin Haney, Rolly Romero, and now potentially another great in Shakur Stevenson. He’ll continue to make great fights against the elite fighters in the sport.
When asked what a fight between him and Shakur would look like, Ryan answered by saying, “Shakur is someone I fought in the amateurs, and we went at it, and I feel like I beat him. But the politics of the USA boxing at the time were a little differentt and I still got a chip on my shoulder; I’ve been wanting the rematch for a minute.
“Hopefully we get it and uh, and when my hand heals, I’ll be looking for that for sure.” What comes next will be interesting to see, but one thing is for sure: it’ll be a great match.
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