Ryan Garcia began 2021 on DAZN with a bang as he picked himself up off the canvas in his biggest challenge yet before stopping lightweight contender and former world title challenger Luke Campbell on Jan. 2.
Garcia has since called out every big name in the division, but as we approach three months since his last fight, his next challenge has yet to be confirmed.
Though he would love to make 135lbs superfights such as WBA champion Gervonta 'Tank' Davis and WBC titleholder Devin Haney happen next, the reality is that another ranked contender is his likely next step in order to keep busy and continue to build his ever-growing fanbase.
On the latest edition of 'Jabs', Chris Mannix and former WBC light-middleweight champion Sergio Mora discussed the various options if 'King Ry' is to step back between the ropes by the summer.
"Ryan is bouncing off a good win against Campbell and needs to ride that momentum," said Mora. "He needs to face someone who is highly ranked by all of the organisations, and so Richard Commey makes perfect sense.
"He's only been stopped one time, and that was by the best lightweight in Teofimo Lopez. It’s an excellent fight, stay busy and then move on to the fall when he can fight the winner of Jorge Linares vs. Devin Haney."
Mannix added: "Whether it’s Commey or Javier Fortuna, another fighter Garcia discussed, he’s gotta find someone in the next month and the half. He has some real momentum after the win over Campbell.
"Haney won’t happen soon but Fortuna and Commey could happen soon. They’re both ready to go, so get Ryan back in the ring then evaluate the options again in the fall. I think Garcia should stay busy in 2021, fight three or four times this year, get the money and then gear up for massive fights in 2022."
Mora responded: "And you never know, those massive fights could happen this year still.
"I know Garcia wants the big fights. He wants guys like Gervonta Davis, he wants all the smoke. Devin Haney’s the one he needs to fight but since that won’t be happening next, stay busy and ride it out until the fall.
"Ideally he should ride the momentum side-by-side with Canelo. If Canelo fights in May, fight in May as well. If Canelo is back in September, fight in September. Ride that wave of success together."
Watch the latest 'Jabs', which also features Mannix and Mora debating whether Lawrence Okolie is ready for Mairis Briedis and Jaime Munguia's next step, with a DAZN subscription.