Ryan Garcia Ready To Return?

One the top draws in the smaller weight classes appears to be ready to return late this year. This, as Ryan Garcia, off his first career defeat back in April, looks to get back on the winning track.

Our insider Dan Rafael reported on his Substack Monday night that he’s learned that Garcia is looking to fight a veteran in either November or December.

From his item:

“Plans are in the works for junior welterweight star Ryan Garcia to return to the ring in November or December, with Pedro Campa one of the leading candidates to get the fight, sources with direct knowledge of the plans told Fight Freaks Unite on Monday.

Garcia (23-1,19 KOs), 25, of Victorville, California, who will be in his first fight with trainer Derrick James, parted ways with Joe Goossen following his last fight, the blockbuster Showtime PPV event against Gervonta “Tank” Davis in their much-anticipated 136-pound catchweight bout on April 22 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Davis knocked out Garcia in the seventh round of the biggest money fight of the year so far. It generated about 1.2 million pay-per-view buys in the United States, more than $100 million in domestic PPV revenue, and a live gate of $22.8 million, which was the fifth-biggest in Nevada history.

Although Golden Boy sued Garcia and his adviser/attorney, Guadalupe Valencia, in U.S. District Court of Nevada in June seeking to have its “valid and enforceable promotional agreement” upheld, and Garcia sough to have the case dismissed in late August, the sides are nonetheless working together trying to put on Garcia’s next fight despite their fractured relationship.

“Fighting at the end of the year,” Garcia posted to social media on Monday. “

Controversy never far from Garcia

As Dan mentioned, Garcia is never too far away from changes in his camp and disputes with promoter Oscar De La Hoya. However, it does appear that the immensely popular California junior welterweight is ready to resume his career and point towards a possible title shot at 140 lb. in 2024.

Garcia had kayoed Javier Fortuna in six rounds in his previous bout at 140 lb. prior to the Davis KO loss. And, it appears that he intends to still compete at that weight class moving forward.

The belts junior welterweight that were previously held by undisputed champ Josh Taylor have splintered- Rolando Romero 15–1, 13 KOs, has the WBA version, while the WBC champ is Regis Prograis, 29–1, 24 KOs. Subriel Matías has the IBF title at 19–1, 19 KOs and the WBO belt was taken off Taylor by Teofimo Lopez earlier this year in a tremendous performance for a decision to improve to 19–1, 13 KOs,

It’s unlikely that Garcia would get a shot at any of those names above in his next bout, but could realistically fight one of them in the Spring or Summer of 2024, especially due to Garcia’s drawing power with tickets and possible PPV, etc.

Now we await to see, if the legal troubles can be overcome and if Garcia will headline for Golden Boy Boxing, and against whom later in 2023?