By Dan Ambrose: Ryan Garcia (20-0, 17 KOs) revealed on social media that he plans on fighting on July 4 LIVE on DAZN, but it’ll probably be without an audience present. Ryan, 21, says he’s not sure who his opponent will be, though, and his trainer doesn’t want a dangerous opponent.
Before the pandemic started, Ryan had hoped to face Jorge Linares next, but that’s now unlikely. There’s a travel ban that may prevent the former three-division world champion Linares from coming over to the U.S unless it’s lifted by the summer.
Additionally, Ryan’s trainer Eddy Reynoso is against him taking on Linares next. Reynoso wants Ryan to get more experience against other fighters before he starts facing quality opposition.
The bad news for boxing fans is that with the travel ban and Reysoso wanting more soft opposition for Ryan, there won’t be much to see when he does fight on the 4th of July. None of Ryan’s last three fights have gone past the second round, and the last time he went past round five was in 2018.
Ryan Garcia wants to keep the momentum going
“I’m working on my fight to have it on July 4th 💥 I guess you can say I’m still turnt up!!!” said Ryan Garcia on his Instagram. “I have to keep the momentum going.
“I don’t think there will be an audience, but It will be streamed on @dazn_usa The Big Question is who’s the opponent?? #ryangarcia.”
The choices for Ryan’s next fight in July are minimal, and it might not be worth watching. He can’t fight anyone from outside of the U.S if the travel ban is still in place by July, and his trainer Reynoso will likely block him fighting anyone with a pulse.
DAZN may need to put their foot down and insist on a good opponent for Ryan if he plans on being the headliner for the July 4 fight. Boxing fans don’t want to see fights that end in the first round every time. In Ryan’s last two fights, he’s stopped Francisco Fonseca and Romero Duno in the first round. It wasn’t even sporting to see these mismatches.
With most of the talented lightweights fighting outside of the U.S, it dramatically limits the type of opponent Ryan can get for his July 4 match.
“I’m proud to have promoted five de Mayo and September 16. Now it’s time for Golden Boy Boxing to take over our countries birthday 4th of July. #letsgo,” said Ryan’s promoter Oscar De La Hoya.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIzbzK-td2A&t=6s