Ryan Garcia says today’s welterweight division is finally attracting the type of big names boxing fans have wanted to see for years, and he believes champions now have a responsibility to fight the best instead of protecting positions.
Garcia, who recently captured the WBC welterweight title, said the sport frustrated him earlier in his career because elite fighters often avoided each other during their primes. Ryan said that part of the reason he accepted the Gervonta Davis fight was that he wanted to see more top fighters face each other instead of avoiding risky fights.
“Back then, nobody was fighting each other,” Ryan told Complex News while discussing his decision to accept the Davis fight under tough contractual terms.
“I think that we, me as a champion, have a responsibility to uphold boxing in the most respectful way without putting myself in a bad predicament. But I’m the type of person that I’ll fight anybody, especially if all the conditions are level and fair. I’ll fight anybody.”
Ryan also dismissed the notion that he shuns tough opponents, pointing to the fighters he has faced throughout his career.”
“I’ve never been afraid to fight top competition in my life. My whole life, since the amateurs, I’ve fought everybody. I’ve fought in the toughest divisions,” Garcia said.
Ryan then pointed to the current state of the welterweight division, arguing that 147 pounds has become the center of attention because so many fighters are now chasing big fights there.
“Now you see 147, everybody wants to come here now,” Ryan said.
Garcia is currently expected to return on September 12 in Las Vegas, although he recently warned that details surrounding a potential fight with Conor Benn are still not fully finalized.
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Last updated on 2026/05/27 at 23:48
