Ryan Garcia becomes world champion

Garcia looked much improved, demonstrating his speed and power with improved skills. Offensively, he added a right hand and increased mobility, able to move quickly laterally like never before. Ryan said it would be a do-or-die moment, and he delivered.

This was his moment, and he seized it. As champion, he now has an open book of options for future opponents; he is in the driver’s seat. Shakur Stevenson was in attendance to witness Garcia’s victory, as was Rolly Romero, both viable options.

Although Ryan called out Shakur after he was announced the winner, Garcia said in the post-fight press conference that he really wants to fight Devin Haney. Both are champions, have personal history, and the fight itself will generate huge interest from fans.

Barrios hired Joe Goossen to train him against his former fighter, hoping to gain an advantage, but he was unable to capitalize on the insider knowledge he possessed. Instead, it was Garcia who turned the tables on them and changed expectations. He showed effective and precise punch selection and was much more than just his trademark left hook.

A focused and dedicated Ryan is dangerous. “I knew they were going to set up for the left hook, left hook, Ryan Garcia’s left hook … left hook. It was pretty common sense to keep throwing that right hand,” Ryan said of his game plan.

“It feels good to finally be a world champion. It’s something I’ve dreamed about since I was seven years old,” Ryan said of his win at the post-fight presser. He had never been a fighter to shy away from tough fights; win or lose, he will fight the best.

After battling the likes of Gervonta Davis, Devin Haney, Rolly Romero, and now possibly another great in Shakur Stevenson. He will continue to fight big fights against the elite fighters in the sport.

When asked what a fight between him and Shakur would look like, Ryan responded by saying, “Shakur is someone I fought in the amateurs, and we went at it, and I feel like I beat him. But the politics of USA boxing back then was a little bit different and I still have a chip on my shoulder; I’ve wanted the rematch for a minute.

“Hopefully we get it and uh, and when my hand heals I’ll look for it for sure.” What comes next will be interesting to see, but one thing is for sure: it will be a great match.