Ryan Garcia v Javier Fortuna July Bout Likely to be WBC Eliminator
Ryan Garcia (22-0 18 KOs) has finally landed an opponent for July 16. According to ESPN, Garcia and one-time WBA junior lightweight champion Javier Fortuna (37-3-1, 26 KOs) have agreed to terms and will face each other at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
After being idle for most of 2021 to deal with issues of mental health, Garcia made a successful return to the ring in April 2022 with an easy win over Emmanuel Tagoe. In Fortuna’s last outing, he disposed of Rafael Hernandez in one round in February 2022.
A SECOND ATTEMPT
This contest is a renewed attempt for Garcia and Fortuna. The WBC ordered a match between the two men in March 2021. They were set to fight in July of that year, but Garcia withdrew to deal with his mental health.
Instead, Fortuna fought and lost a twelve-round decision to Joseph Diaz for the WBC Interim lightweight belt. He rebounded from that setback with the KO over Rafael Hernandez.
With Garcia ranked second and Fortuna ranked ninth by the WBC, expect this to be deemed as a world title eliminator. Garcia hopes a win sets up a showdown with current WBA Regular champion Gervonta Davis while Fortuna has eyes on another world title shot. Stay tuned to 3Kings Boxing for any additional updates.
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By: Michael Wilson Jr.
