Ryan Garcia Targets Mid-July Title Defense

Following Ryan Garcia’s (25-2, 20KOs) dominant unanimous decision victory over Mario Barrios on February 21 to win his first world title, his manager Guadalupe Valencia has confirmed that the 27-year-old is targeting mid-July for his first WBC welterweight title defense.

Following Garcia’s championship win, concerns arose regarding Garcia’s right hand, with some fearing a potential fracture, however Valencia confirmed the injury is restricted to a “light sprain” and will not require surgery. The team expects him to be back in “peak fighting condition” by the time training camp begins in May. As for Garcia’s opponent, he’s targeting former 140-pound champion Teofimo Lopez (22-2, 13KO), who lost his WBO belt to Shakur Stevenson on January 31 via a lopsided uanimous decision. Lopez would have to move up to 147 to challenge Garcia, but Ryan claims Teo is up for the fight.