Ryan Garcia is ready to fight Isaac Cruz but warned his fellow lightweight that he needs the fight less than his potential opponent.
On Saturday night Isaac Cruz built on a decent showing against Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis last December. ‘Pitbull’ lost that clash but pushed Davis harder than most of his previous rivals have done.
At the AT&T Stadium in Texas, Cruz put away Yuriorkis Gamboa, a former unified featherweight champion, knocking him to the canvas four times before a fifth-round victory by stoppage.
Speaking after the fight, Cruz said: “I’m here to defeat and dethrone anyone that gets in my way while putting on a show for the fans.
“I wanted to send a clear message to the division that I’m here to be a world champion no matter what. Mexico, just wait until we arrive. We have something special planned for you when we come back to celebrate.”
For his part, Garcia fought on April 9 after 15 months away from the ring to defeat Ghanaian veteran Emmanuel Tagoe with a dominant showing of his own. His representatives at Golden Boy have suggested the Californian could fight three more times this year, making a summer fight more than likely - though no opponent has been confirmed.
Before Cruz’s win, he had described Garcia as, ‘a poodle,’ while afterwards Garcia contended that it was his name being used for clout.
“I absolutely understand he wants to continue his momentum and build his career,” wrote on Twitter.
“But if he thinks I need him, he’s delusional or his team. I’ve made great money and I’m extremely happy, this is what a lot of fans wanted!
“I don’t know what to say, Isaac Cruz other [than] I’m ready now, we have a big fight at hand. I guess all bark no bite
“#GarciaCruz at Crypto or better known as Staples Center in L.A. would be fire I’m ready for it in July. The fans, you guys can make this happen! Just push it and we will have our hands flying!”