Ryan Garcia returns to the ring in July to face former world champion Javier Fortuna

“I can’t wait to fight Javier Fortuna this July,” said Garcia.

“This was the fight I wanted, and now it’s time. I am so grateful to my friends, family, and especially my fans for their support. I have never felt better, stronger, and more motivated. It’s time to silence all the doubters, and it starts with Fortuna on July 16.” 

“This is going to be a very exciting fight. I know it didn't take place last year like originally announced but I hope that this time it will be real so that I can offer a good show to the public,” said Fortuna. "I feel very happy with the work that I have been doing with my promoter, Sampson, who has been trusting me since the beginning of my career. I will prepare 100% to win my fight. "

After a spectacular performance against top-ten lightweight contender Emmanuel Tagoe in April 2022, Ryan Garcia proved he still is a force to be reckoned with in the lightweight division.  Originally scheduled to face Fortuna in July 2021, Garcia was forced to bow out of the event due to mental health struggles. However, he has defeated almost every top contender via knockout, including a seventh-round stoppage of 2012 Olympic gold medallist Luke Campbell in 2021. 

His amazing undefeated career with 18 knockouts inside the ring, including his spectacular shutout performance against Emmanuel Tagoe has earned him a spot as one of the lightweight division's top stars of our time. Now, the 23-year-old, undefeated lightweight sensation is on a mission to prove he has what it takes to defeat the division's elite. 

“It’s time to show the world that Ryan Garcia is an elite level fighter,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “He put on a dominant performance in his comeback fight against a tough contender in April. He proved he could go the distance for the first time, and he looked spectacular. It’s time to show the world he is a world championship level fighter.” 

Ranked in the top 10 of the lightweight division by the WBC, Javier Fortuna is a dangerous lightweight contender with a lot to prove on July 16. The 33-year-old southpaw is a former two-time world champion who previously held the WBA interim featherweight world championship and the WBA super featherweight world championship.   

“What a month we have had on DAZN and what a fight this will be,” said Ed Breeze, EVP Rights at DAZN.

“This an absolute cracker featuring one of the brightest talents in the sport in Ryan Garcia and a double former world champion in Javier Fortuna. You do not want to miss this fight on July 16th. Watch live and exclusively worldwide on DAZN.”