Rising boxing phenom, Ryan Garcia faces Francisco Fonseca tonight on Valentine’s Day at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. The fight gets us one step closer to answering the question: social media star or potential champion?
The event is a Golden Boy and DAZN special night of boxing presentation. Garcia (19-0, 16 KOs) is defending his WBC Silver Lightweight Title in a 12-round fight.
Garcia is a 21-year-old contender who has quickly developed into one of boxing’s most popular young athletes. After a decorated amateur career, Garcia signed with Golden Boy in 2016.
His mentor is Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. Ironically, he is fighting in the same venue where Canelo Alvarez became world champion in 2011.
“2020 is the year to show everyone and to take on bigger challenges,” said Garcia. “I’ve been working hard and training every day, and I’ve sacrificed a lot of things to become a better fighter. Francisco Fonseca is a tough fighter, and this gives everyone a chance to see how good I am.”
A Veteran’s Test
Fonseca (25-2-2, 19 KOs) represents a wave of young talent from Managua, Nicaragua who have recently had success. Fighters such as Felix Alvarado and Rene Alvarado have become world champions within the past 18 months. Fonseca wants to build off that momentum. The 25-year-old will return after a tough draw against Alex Dilmaghani for a vacant title.
“Nicaraguan boxing is a the very top right now because we have two world champions representing us,” said Francisco Fonseca. “That’s why I will not let my country down. When I face Ryan Garcia, I will expose him on his own territory; and I will deliver him his first professional (loss).”
With former three-division world champion, Jorge Linares also on the card, DAZN is betting on the drawing power of Garcia.
“From rising stars to crafty veterans, the lightweight division is poised for a huge year,” said Joseph Markowski, DAZN EVP. “With such an adoring fan base, we couldn’t think of a better fighter than Ryan Garcia to headline.”
