Is George Kambosos – Ryan Garcia a Real Fight or a Pipedream?
George Kambosos Jr (20-0, 10 KOs) scored quite possibly the upset of the year when he defeated Teofimo Lopez by split decision to capture the unified IBF/WBA ‘super’/WBO world lightweight at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Coming to the bout as a significant underdog, Kambosos used the early momentum from a first-round knockdown and had the performance of his career.
LOOKING FOR THAT KAMBOSOS SMOKE
His win has blown the doors off the lightweight division. In the aftermath, fighters in and around 135 pounds have sent their congratulations. They also have called for a fight against him. One of which is lightweight contender Ryan Garcia (21-0, 18 KOs).
Ranked second by the WBC, he has been on the shelf since a seventh-round TKO win over multiple-time world-title challenger Luke Campbell in January of 2021. Following that fight, Garcia took a self-imposed sabbatical from the sport to deal with mental health issues. He also had a surgical procedure on his right wrist.
In recent months, the popular 23-year-old hinted a comeback is imminent. But as of this printing, a match has yet to be finalized and announced. However, the popular power-puncher from Los Angeles took to social media with who he would like to face in his return to the ring.
IS IT AT ALL POSSIBLE?
This was a predictable move, Garcia trying to fight Kambosos. He is now the new “it” guy in the division. Why not use Twitter to challenge him? That’s the way of the world for boxing in the age of social media. But what is the possibility of Garcia actually getting the opportunity?
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When it comes to Golden Boy Promotions, Garcia is still arguably the main attraction and star of their roster. His social media following is huge and one of the few fighters in the sport that has a major endorsement deal (Gatorade). But it’s been almost a full calendar year since he’s fought. One would think that his promoters would not put one of their major investments in the ring with a Kambosos after such a long layoff.
Furthermore, what has he done and who has he defeated to earn such an opportunity? Popularity aside, Garcia is little more than a highly-ranked contender with a decent fanbase. IG and Twitter followers carry only so much weight at the boxing negotiating table.
Besides, Kambosos is the one in position to call the shots. It’s quite possible that his next fight could take place in his native Australia. One would think that Golden Boy will not let their charge go to the land down under to fight the unified champ anytime soon. So, while Ryan Garcia’s callout will draw some attention, it’s very unlikely that his return bout will be against Kambosos.
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By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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