Ryan Garcia opens up on mental health battle: 'Everything came crashing down on me'

Just over a year ago, the Californian talent, one of boxing’s biggest hopes, registered the biggest win of his career when he climbed off the canvas to stop Luke Campbell with an outstanding body shot. 

Already identified as one of sport’s brightest emerging stars, Garcia’s profile rocketed as he proved to doubters that he had the heart and bravery to go with his offensive artillery.  

In a division stacked with high profile names such as Gervonta Davis and Vasiliy Lomachenko, Garcia added himself to the mix. His next battle would come outside the ring when it was revealed that Garcia would be focusing on his mental health. 

“It all happened about three weeks after the Campbell fight,” said Garcia when speaking with Kate Abdo for DAZN.

“Everything came crashing down on me. I was lost in my head and words can’t really describe how I felt. It was like being in a maze and didn’t know where to go. I’m just happy to be here. I’m thankful, I really am. 

“I didn’t understand it. I have everything, I’m doing so good. I get people telling me that ‘Ryan, just like the fact that you came out, you saved my life.’ And that right there is worth all the pain I went through. If a kid got out of a dark place because of my story, that’s worth more than I could ever do in the ring.” 

Watch the full interview with Ryan Garcia on the DAZN platform here.