Ryan Garcia remains high after scoring an impressive TKO over Luke Campbell to win the WBC interim lightweight title last weekend. The 22-year-old drew praise for getting up after suffering the first knockdown of his career in the fifth round of that bout to defeat the British pug in the seventh round.
It was a classic comeback for Garcia although some feel Campbell failed to take advantage of the situation. One of them includes Stephen McKenna, a 23-year-old Irish boxer who claims he had the chance to spar with “KingRy” in 2018, Sky Sports reported.
"At that time, I didn't think he had any power. During our spar, he was a lot of tap, tap, and he was moving a lot. He was going from corner to corner,” McKenna stated.
Thank you God Emotions just poured out of me but let me tell you nothing but respect to @luke11campbell True warrior for life pic.twitter.com/q0mvw7DL6L — Ryan Garcia (@KingRyanG) January 3, 2021
McKenna was among the many viewers who witnessed that knockdown. In his opinion, had it been any other boxer who had done that, Garcia would have suffered his first boxing career loss.
"Garcia was badly hurt. If I had been in there, I would have got Garcia out of there, if I had him hurt like that," McKenna quipped.
McKenna is on a run of his own with seven wins, all via knockout. For now, it does not appear that he is on Garcia’s radar.
After winning over Campbell, Garcia revealed his list of preferred next opponents. The first name that came out was Gervonta Davis and later on adding Manny Pacquiao. Between the two, he may have better chances of facing Davis with Pacquiao likely on the last stretch of his career this year. The Filipino boxing icon is likely to call it a career as he focuses on running for President of the Philippines next.
But before thinking ahead, Garcia’s next foe may be Devin Haney, the official WBC lightweight champion. It appears this is what the World Boxing Council wants to line up next for the 22-year-old and promoter Eddie Hearn is all for it, Boxingscene reported.
“Great fight,” Hearn, who promotes both Campbell and Haney, said. “You just boxed a final eliminator to fight him… [WBC title] fight will now be ordered.”
No fight date has been set but it appears this is what lies ahead for “KingRy.” Hurdling Haney would be something, meaning he can pick anyone from among the big names in the sport today. Davis should be at the top of the list, meaning McKenna will need to do something to capture the attention of Garcia.
