Ryan Garcia wants to fight Manny Pacquiao in December. The 26-year-old boxer aims to bounce back from his recent loss and add a big name to his record.
Garcia lost to Rolando Romero in May. He got dropped in the second round and lost on points in his welterweight debut. That fight marked Garcia's return after a year-long doping suspension. Now, he's recovering from hand surgery.
Pacquiao, Garcia's target, recently came back from a 4-year retirement. He fought Mario Barrios for the WBC Welterweight World Title, ending in a majority draw. Many fans thought Pacquiao did enough to win. The Filipino legend got inducted into the Hall of Fame not long ago.
Garcia talked to the Ring Magazine about his plans. He said:
"I've been interested in fighting the legendary Manny Pacquiao for a while now. It's something that you dream of. There were talks in the past of us fighting, and then it fell through. There is a history there. I am always up for the challenge. I would be lying if I said I am not interested. If Manny Pacquiao wants to throw down, let's do it."
Garcia thinks he'll give Pacquiao problems. He claims he'll dominate the fight and even knock out the legend.
"I know that I would present a lot of problems for Pacquiao. I would dominate him. I would capitalise on Manny's mistakes better than other guys. I would knock him out like Juan Manuel Marquez – all due respect to the legend Manny, though … I'm looking for and shooting for a fight in December … If Manny does want to fight me and make big money in a huge fight, then let's do it. If not, that's OK with me. I can fight Rolly in a rematch – either route is OK with me."
Pacquiao hasn't confirmed if he'll fight again after the Barrios draw. But he hinted strongly that he might continue boxing. Besides Garcia, Gervonta Davis could be another potential opponent for Pacquiao.
Sean Gibbons, Pacquiao's advisor, doesn't think a Barrios rematch is the best move, even if it might be the easiest fight to win.
Garcia wants the fight in Las Vegas this December. If Pacquiao doesn't take the bait, Garcia says he's open to a rematch with 'Rolly' Romero.
