And I think that I went through that to have more knowledge and wisdom so I could provide that for other people. The sport is one thing, but health is wealth. Some things are bigger than the sport in life. So, through this whole journey, I feel like it was important. I made sure that I came out of it with knowledge and wisdom that I could share with people so that, if they’re going through it, maybe they can find a shortcut out of it and that they feel inspired to get out of it. I’ve always seen mental health as a natural health crisis and through that I discovered a lot about myself. I was forced to almost stop and evaluate my life and where I was at in every way. What moment did you realize that you needed to do that? Success came rapidly in your professional career, but you suddenly stepped away from boxing in April 2021 right before you were set to fight Javier Fortuna to manage your mental health. Even though I’ve always felt like I was everything this sport can ask for, basically, and I felt like I had something truly special inside, through the years it’s evolved where they’re believing it for sure now. ![]() I feel like my whole career has always been a story of proving my worth. Since you signed with Golden Boy Promotions in 2016, how has your relationship with them evolved over time? I constantly search for purpose in what I need to do, and this is where it feels the most evident. Through that, that’s what keeps me going. I’m just following the will of God wherever it takes me. Knowing that I haven’t done everything I set out to do yet. ![]() What keeps you driven to keep competing in this sport? You’re only 24, but you’ve already been boxing for 17 years. Ryan Garcia's legitimacy was mocked by many. Toward the end of the conversation, the machismo he displayed downstairs makes a comeback. ![]() The Los Alamitos, Calif.-native of Mexican descent discussed his rapid rise to boxing stardom, the mental health struggles that forced him to take a hiatus from the sport for nearly a year and his triumphant return entering the biggest fight of his career. There are still signs of his fighter braggadocio and the spoils of his exploits in the room, including two gold crowns on the coffee table in front of him that he uses for his “King Ryan” moniker - but he’s quiet, reserved and soft-spoken as he interacts with those around him.īefore heading to dinner with his family, Garcia sat down with The Athletic for a one-on-one interview. Following a quick elevator ride and walk down the hallway, he enters his MGM Grand Skylofts suite with a picturesque view of The Strip and rests on a sectional. When Garcia is chauffeured away by Golden Boy Promotions staffers, he allows himself to flip the switch off. On Tuesday, Garcia and Davis began the final phase of the hype train with their “Grand Arrivals.” Garcia went first before leaving the stage, briefly getting in the ring for another display of antics and making his way around the barricade in an impromptu meet and greet with the crowd. Garcia (23-0, 19 knockouts) is about to face Gervonta Davis (28-0, 26 KOs) at a catchweight of 136 pounds on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena as the main event of a pay-per-view card on a Showtime broadcast starting at 5 p.m. His responses are filled with boastful claims about his greatness, barbs at his upcoming opponent and bold proclamations about what the outcome will be. The 24-year-old boxer then faces the crowd surrounding barricades on opposite sides of a faux ring, shadow boxes and poses before he jumps into an interview with a Showtime announcer. He’s wearing a black jumpsuit unbuttoned at the top to expose his chest and rocking a gold and diamond watch on his wrist as he makes his way toward a makeshift stage with Spanish music blaring over speakers. ![]() In succession to Golden Boy Promotions founder Oscar De La Hoya, Ryan Garcia strolls through the entrance of the MGM Grand hotel lobby.
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