RYAN GARCIA ‘KING RY’
RECORD: 21-0 (18) AGE: 22 FROM: USA
WHY HE IS ON THE LIST:
Garcia is the latest fighter to join the current band of lightweight luminaries. The rangy puncher boasts a massive following on social media, but against Luke Campbell earlier this month, he proved that there is substance behind the hype. After being knocked down in the second round, the vibrant Garcia regained his composure and proceeded to bombard Campbell with heavy blows from both gloves, eventually leading to a breakout seventhsession stoppage victory.
BEST PUNCH:
Garcia’s honey punch is his left hook. Unleashed either upstairs or down, it is hurled with an accurate and punishing force. Campbell was sent to his knees after catching one clean in the ribs, while Francisco Fonseca and Romero Duno were both caught cold with slamming shots to the head.
STANDOUT VICTORY:
Conquering Campbell was an important accomplishment for Garcia. The win marked the moment that the touted talent went from exciting prospect to serious contender. He dealt with the pressure impressively.
X FACTOR:
The thing that sets Garcia apart from his peers is his crossover popularity and immense marketability. With his film-star features, confidence and charisma, the Instagram favourite is a promoter’s dream. Crucially, he has so far been able to back up the social media ‘likes’ with performances in the ring – the place where it really matters.
WHO HE SHOULD FIGHT NEXT:
Of the five fighters on this list, Garcia and Devin Haney are the youngest at 22 years old. They are each a rung below the more established Teofimo Lopez, Vasiliy Lomachenko and Gervonta Davis on the boxing ladder, so it makes sense for the two precocious hotshots to face off against one another, before stepping up to the next level.