Ryan Garcia (23-1, 19 KOs) is stepping back into the ring, and it’s not for a salsa class. He’s locking horns with Mexico’s Oscar Duarte (26-1-1, 21 KOs) on Saturday, December 2. This super lightweight fight, set for a solid 12 rounds, is happening thanks to Cancun Boxing.
Ryan Garcia lit up, saying, “Alright, folks, it’s showtime! I’m taking on Duarte on December 2. To the naysayers, keep talking. To my fans, I’m always bringing the noise.”
At just 25, Garcia isn’t your average Joe. He’s more of a king. The boxing kingdom saw him rule when he fought Gervonta “Tank” Davis this April. Can you believe it? Over 1.2 million people threw money to watch it live! Plus, he made Las Vegas richer by $22.8 million. Now, that’s some serious cash! With a speed that might make Flash jealous, an insane left hook, and a knack for dropping opponents, Ryan’s been the real MVP for ages. Need more proof? He wore the WBC interim lightweight belt like a boss, making top-contender types like Luke Campbell look like amateurs.
Across the corner, we have Oscar Duarte, who’s basically been the nightmare every lightweight fighter’s afraid to dream about. This boxer from Parral, Chihuahua, is the perfect blend of offense and defense. He’s more aggressive than a caffeinated bull, and his record of laying guys flat? Just impressive. Duarte faced one blip against Adrian Estrella in 2019 but came back with 11 consecutive KO victories. Fun fact: He’s got Mexican superstar Gabriel Soto backing him, co-managing his boxing career with Cancun Boxing.
Oscar Duarte chimed in, “Stepping into the ring against Garcia is a dream come true. Big shoutout to Golden Boy for setting this up. My squad has been nothing but supportive. Mark my words, you’re about to witness the best version of Oscar Duarte. It’s time to make my country proud.
Oscar De La Hoya, the big boss of boxing, remarked, “Ryan’s always giving fans a treat. He’s not one to take the easy route. Facing Duarte is no walk in the park. But here’s the juicy bit: the winner here is on a direct path to the big leagues. You won’t want to be anywhere else but in front of your screen for this.”
Echoing the sentiment, Jared Kass from DAZN added, “2023’s been a great year for boxing on DAZN, and Ryan’s fights have always been the cherry on top. This Garcia vs. Duarte showdown in December is just what every boxing fan ordered. So, gear up and tune in!”
BARROSO VS. DAVIES ADDED TO GARCIA VS. DUARTE UNDERCARD
In a heated co-main event that’s bound to set the Toyota Center in Houston ablaze, London’s own Ohara “Two Tanks” Davies, boasting a record of 25-2 with 18 KOs, is set to introduce his fists to American soil under the illustrious Golden Boy Promotions against Venezuela’s hard-hitter Ismael Barroso (24-4-2, 22 KOs). Serving as the main appetizer for Garcia vs. Duarte, these two fighters will throw down in a 12-round clash for the WBA Super Lightweight Interim World Championship. Golden Boy Promotions, in a joint effort with TGB Promotions, promises a showdown that will unfurl live on DAZN as part of the viewers’ subscription package.
Ohara Davies couldn’t hide his thrill about sealing this deal. “I’m thrilled to bits—this is the fight that should have been mine years back in Dubai,” Davies exclaimed. “I plan to waltz into the ring on December 2, lay Barroso out cold, and strut out with the Interim World title. Hats off to the Golden Boy squad, Oscar, Eric, and my manager, Lee Eaton. It’s game time!”
Rising from his pro debut in 2014, Davies has climbed the ranks to WBA’s number one super lightweight, landing a title shot with a jaw-dropping ninth-round takedown of Britain’s own Lewis Ritson this past March. With a five-year winning run, except for minor hiccups against top-shelf fighters like Josh Taylor in 2017 and Jack Catterall in 2018, Davies is hungry for the world championship belt.
Ismael Barroso, bursting with anticipation for the championship spotlight, said, “I’ve already shown I can tango with the best, and now it’s time to prove it beyond a shadow of a doubt.” Barroso, a seasoned fighter with a career nearing two decades, once gripped the WBA interim lightweight title and recently made noise with a contentious stoppage against Rolly Romero. He’s out to claim the title he and many believe he’s already earned.
Golden Boy’s chief, Oscar De La Hoya, is betting big on Davies, saying, “Davies is a beast in the ring who’s earned his shot at the title. Now that he’s on our turf, I’m betting he’ll be the one with the belt and his arm lifted when the dust settles.”
Tom Brown from TGB Promotions added, “Barroso’s last bout proved he’s in the ring with the division’s best. His impressive performance on short notice is a sign we can expect a driven fighter ready to lay claim to the title.”
Ryan Garcia, International Boxing Star and Super Lightweight Contender:
“Oscar presents a significant challenge – he’s known for his knockouts. I’ve been rejuvenating post my recent fight and training with Derek has been enlightening. I feel empowered at this weight – more alert and confident.”
“To truly claim a title, I must face worthy opponents. Oscar’s speed, strength, and timing make this fight an apt stage to gauge my readiness for even larger challenges.”
“I’m counting on the city’s support. Houston has always been generous with its love!”
Oscar Duarte, Super Lightweight Contender:
“This is an exciting time for me. I’m grateful for this chance and I feel I’m at my peak now. I am committed to making my country, Chihuahua and Mexico, proud come December 2.”
“On December 2, with my rigorous training, I intend to claim a victory and earn my spot as the next icon in Mexican boxing. Backed by my fantastic team, I’m prepared for all future challenges. This moment resonates with me both mentally and physically.”
Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy:
“Ryan’s choice to face a fierce opponent like Oscar Duarte, known for his knockout skills, after his hiatus, speaks volumes about his ambition. He is geared up to reclaim his status and prove his mettle.”
“Ryan embodies the spirit of a true champion. Oscar Duarte’s impressive streak is noteworthy, and with his trainer’s guidance, he’s geared up for the match. This bout promises to electrify Houston with unmatched enthusiasm.”
Derrick James, Former Two-Time Trainer of the Year:
“Being back in Houston feels great. The synergy between Ryan and me during our training sessions has been remarkable, and I’m optimistic about our growth trajectory. Anticipate a thrilling boxing evening ahead.”
Pepe Gomez, Chairman of Cancun Boxing:
“It’s an honor to be present for such an essential event for Cancun boxing and Mexico. We aim to curate top-contender fights for the sport. A heartfelt thanks to Oscar De La Hoya for turning this into a reality.”
DUARTE: LAST 5 BOUTS
2023-05-27 vs. D’Angelo Keyes (17-2-0):
Venue: Fantasy Springs Casino, Indio.
Result: Win by retirement (W-RTD) in the 7th round of a 10-round fight.
Notable events: Keyes sustained a right eye cut from a legal punch in the 2nd round, was down in the 3rd and 7th rounds, and the fight was stopped by the ringside physician’s advice.
2023-03-18 vs. Alex Martin (18-4-0):
Venue: Walter Pyramid, Long Beach.
Result: Win by knockout (W-KO) in the 8th round of a 10-round bout.
Notable events: Martin was down twice in the 8th round, leading to the knockout. Duarte had a right eye cut from a legal punch in the 5th round.
2022-12-17 vs. Javier Franco (35-24-6)**:
Venue: Torreon.
Result: Win by technical knockout (W-TKO) in the 3rd round of an 8-round bout.
2022-06-11 vs. Mark Bernaldez (23-5-0):
Venue: Honda Center, Anaheim.
Result: Win by knockout (W-KO) in the 8th round of a 10-round fight.
Notable events: Bernaldez was stopped while standing, leading to the knockout.
2022-04-02 vs. Fernando Daniel Cancino (11-9-1):
Venue: Gimnasio Miguel Hidalgo, Puebla.
Result: Win by technical knockout (W-TKO) in the 5th round of a 10-round bout.
WHAT’S ON THE FIGHT CARD FOR THE NIGHT?
There’s Ryan Garcia vs. Oscar Duarte in junior welterweights, Ohara Davies vs. Ismael Barroso for a title, Floyd Schofield vs. Ricardo Torres in lightweights, Shane Mosley Jr. vs. Joshua Conley in middleweights, plus a few more bouts including light heavyweights, junior featherweights, and bantamweights. And Sean Garcia’s fighting too, but his opponent’s still TBA.
