Ryan Garcia is one of the most promising stars in boxing, but he has yet to fight in one of the sport’s most iconic venues. Tonight, that will change. The California native will make his Crypto.com Arena (formerly known as the Staples Center) debut on July 16 against former super featherweight champion Javier Fortuna. While the seasoned veteran may offer a stiff test for the young fighter, Garcia believes that is more than ready for the challenge.
“I’m gonna hurt Fortuna. I’m gonna hurt Fortuna so bad that he’s gonna wish he never fought me,” Garcia told Bad Left Hook during a media workout on Wednesday.
“He’s retiring after this fight. He needs to retire already.”
As mentioned previously, Fortuna is a seasoned veteran with more than a decade of professional experience. With a southpaw stance and a punishing style, Fortuna can create problems for Garcia. However, the California native does not seem to be worried at all. In fact, the rising star called Fortuna a “dumb fighter.”
“The way he’s speaking to me in the DMs, he’s a WWE type of speaker,” claimed Garcia. “He said he’s gonna hit me with a rock or something. He’s a dumb fighter. I’m gonna take care of him and show him no mercy,” he continued, according to Bad Left Hook.
“I’m gonna look at his corner and ask them, please don’t stop it. I want to keep hurting him.”
Garcia will have to back up his tough talk when the two meet at the center of the ring on July 16, 2022. The main event is expected to begin just after 11 p.m. ET at Crypto.com Arena on DAZN.
