Quite arguably, the lightweight division is the new glamour division of boxing.
The 135-pound weight class is led by three-belt champion George Kambosos Jr. and WBC titlist Devin Haney. Following them are Vasiliy Lomachenko, Gervonta Davis, and Ryan Garcia. Four of the five competed in a two-week span from Nov. 27-Dec. 11.
Two days after Thanksgiving, Kambosos upset Teofimo Lopez to win the IBF, WBA (super), and WBO belts. One week later, Haney dominated Jo Jo Diaz to retain the WBC strap. The following day, Davis got everything he could handle from Issac Cruz but hung on to a decision win. Lastly, Lomachenko battered Richard Commey for 12 rounds to also win a decision. Garcia is the only one who didn't compete as he's recovering from wrist surgery.
Out of the five, who is the best fighter? Garcia takes himself out of the equation since he hasn't fought since a stoppage win over Luke Campbell in January 2021. However, "KingRy" says it isn't close out of the remaining four.
“Loma No. 1,” Garcia said to World Boxing News. “Close between Devin and Tank. Then you got George, who fought well. Loma No. 1. Then I would say Kambosos No. 2 and Devin and Tank a toss-up. They both had pretty mediocre performances.”
What was it about Lomachenko's performance that impressed Garcia the most?
“Lomachecnko just fights so pure with his movement, and he doesn’t waste any energy," Garcia said. "He flows, and he has the footwork, his body positioning. He fought amazing, but he should have knocked (Commey) out.
“I guess it’s good to care about the fighter but maybe just finish him off,” Garcia said. “It’s actually better if he would have just finished him instead of keep beating on him. He should have just finished him, and then he would have given him less punishment.”
A Garcia-Lomachenko fight would be massive. But, before that can happen, Garcia needs at least a fight before entertaining the thought of facing the two-time Olympic gold medalist. Despite that, it doesn't stop Garcia from thinking about it.
“I think that’s a huge fight, me versus Lomachenko," Garcia admits. "But I would love to fight Lomachenko as well. I think he’s a great fighter."