Ryan Garcia returns to the ring this weekend for his second fight of the year when he takes on former two-time world champion Javier Fortuna.
This duo were originally scheduled to meet in 2021, but ‘King Ry’ pulled out, taking time to focus on his mental health. The American took 15 months away from the sport, returning earlier this year and he will be looking to get his name back in the frame for a lightweight world title shot. Here's everything you need to know ahead of Garcia v Fortuna.
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Where: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California, USA
When: Saturday 16th July
How To Watch: DAZN. The main card is set to get underway at 1am UK time with the Garcia/Fortuna ringwalks set for 4am - however, this could change depending on the length of the undercard bouts.
Tale Of The Tape:
Garcia:
Place Of Birth: Los Angeles, USA
Age: 23
Alias: King Ry
Record: 22-0 (18)
Height: 5’10’’
Reach: 70’’
Stance: Orthodox
Last Fight: Garcia returned to the ring after more than a year out in April, earning a unanimous decision win over Emmanuel Tagoe in San Antonio.
Fortuna:
Place Of Birth: La Romana, Dominican Republic
Age: 33
Alias: El Abejon
Record: 37-3-1 (26)
Height: 5’6½’’
Reach: 68½’’
Stance: Southpaw
Last Fight: ‘El Abejon’ bounced back from a 2021 unanimous decision loss to Joseph Diaz by blitzing Venezuela's Rafael Hernandez inside a single round in February.
What They Say:
Garcia: "If there is any doubt I was hesitant to fight Fortuna a year ago, that will all be made clear after our fight. This was the fight I wanted and it's now time.
"I have never felt better, stronger, and more motivated. It's time to silence all the doubters and it starts on July 16."
Fortuna: "This is going to be a very exciting fight. I know it didn't take place last year like originally announced but I hope that this time it will be real so that I can offer a good show to the public.”
Full Fight Card:
Ryan Garcia vs. Javier Fortuna, lightweight
Alexis Rocha vs. Luis Veron, welterweight
Lamont Roach Jr. vs. Angel Rodriguez, super featherweight
Ricardo Sandoval vs. David Jimenez, flyweight
Oscar Collazo vs. Victorio Saludar, minimumweight
Diego de la Hoya vs. Enrique Bernache, featherweight
Miguel Gaona vs. Abdiel Padilla, lightweight
Lawrence King vs. Edgar Valenzuela, light heavyweight
