Emerging lightweight star Ryan Garcia is targeting a fight with Gervonta Davis.
Garcia’s next fight is against UK boxer Luke Campbell as the pair contest the interim WBC title to earn the right to fight Devin Haney as the body’s mandatory challenger.
Meanwhile, Davis fights Leo Santa Cruz on Oct. 31, in a division that has been set alight by Teofimo Lopez Jr.’s shock win over Vasiliy Lomachenko. Lopez is now the IBF, WBA (Super) and WBO title holder.
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has questioned Garcia’s credibility with the 22-year-old Californian yet to fight anyone from the top 15, and Garcia thinks a fight with Davis would be a way to earn that respect.
After a fight with Davis, he plans to take on Lopez. Speaking to Sky, he said he was not surprised by the Honduran-American’s victory.
"I wasn't shocked. I gave the edge to Teofimo because he's a bigger man. This isn't Lomachenko's weight class and he should move down. The new, hungry fighter was ready to take over. I look forward to my chance at all those belts," Garcia told Sky Sports.
Garcia recognises the importance of making his mark against Davis, and said that Haney would be his preference for his third fight of 2021.
"I want Gervonta. That's my Lomachenko fight — the fight that people don't think I can win,” he explained.
"Then I want to challenge Teofimo. Then Haney. In 2021, Gervonta and Teofimo are the guys I want."
Garcia speculated that the sheer weight of young talent in the lightweight class will make for some big-name bouts in the coming years.
He said: "The four horsemen — Ryan Garcia, Teofimo Lopez, Gervonta Davis and Devin Haney. These will be amazing fights for the future.”
Garcia complained that he was not yet given as much respect as he expected, but claimed that ultimately he was not concerned by the attitude shown towards him.
"I'm the most underestimated lightweight in the world. They fail to give me credit. I'm hoping for more respect but, honestly, I don't care,” he concluded.