RYAN GARCIA is back feeling on top of the world.
The unbeaten boxing prospect, 23, took a year away from the sport to focus on his mental health after beating Luke Campbell in January 2021.
Garcia scored a dramatic win over Campbell to take the WBC interim lightweight crown
The Californian-born star has won all 21 of his pro fights
The 23-year-old is preparing to return to the ring for the first time in over a year
He has undergone a radical transformation by adding a host of tattoos in the last 14 months
Now firmly back in the game, he will face former IBO lightweight champion Emmanuel Tagoe on April 9 in San Antonio.
Know as Flash or KingRy, the Californian-born lightweight burst onto the scene as a fresh-faced pro aged just 17.
He’s since battled his way up the rankings, winning all 21 of his fights and taking the vacant WBC interim lightweight crown after the dramatic stoppage of Campbell.
Now back from his self-imposed hiatus, all eyes will be on Garcia as he makes his long-awaited comeback.
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Hailing from a big family, Garcia’s success is tied to his parents – his father Henry remains on his training team, while mother Lisa is his tireless PA.
Blessed with movie-star looks and fast hands, the boxer of Mexican descent has let his fists do the talking to build up an estimated net worth of $10million.
And that cash has certainly gone to good use, with Garcia reportedly splashing out on a car and a mansion for his mum – before he even turned 21.
His own family is growing too, with Garcia having two young daughters to provide for.
He has three-year-old Rylie with former girlfriend Catherine Gamez and 18-month-old Bela with social media star Drea Celina.
‘EVERYTHING CAME CRASHING DOWN’
Garcia certainly lives his life in the fast lane and that shows with his car collection.
Speed is his friend both in and out of the ring judging by the motors he shares with his 8.7m Instagram followers.
KingRy has some impressive rides at his disposal, including a Lamborghini Urus, Ferrari 488 GTB and Porsche 718 Boxster.
That Lambo packs a serious punch, generating a whopping 641bhp and costing a cool $225,000.
He’s also the proud owner of a $118k Audi RS Seven, which features a 4.0-liter Twin-Turbo V8 and reaches 60mph in a hair-raising 3.5 seconds.
Boxing fans who haven’t kept up with Garcia during his year away from the ring may be in for a shock when he makes his entrance on April 9.
Flash has undergone a dramatic body transformation, with his upper torso now dominated by a number of striking tattoos.
Garcia started to increase his body art in early 2021 and now boasts over ten tatts around his shoulders and chest alone.
He has two lions on either side of his chest, reportedly to signify strength and point towards his ‘KingRy’ nickname.
There are also the words ‘Shock the World’ inked on the back of his shoulder, while on his right arm is a cross.
Garcia was baptized in January 2021 and takes his faith seriously.
‘I’M THANKFUL, I REALLY AM’
He explains: “The cross [tattoo signifies] the strength, the power in my right hand.
“Don’t underestimate the left one either, as it too has got that power.”
A dove on his right shoulder is said to signify “the holy spirit that guides me”, while there’s also a laurel wreath around his neck.
Garcia is one of the most exciting talents in boxing, with Oscar De La Hoya predicting he can become “the biggest star boxing has ever seen.”.
Now back healthy again and raring to go after his year out of the ring, the unbeaten star can’t wait to fight and take his pro record 22-0.
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But he is thankful that he has overcome the mental health demons which struck just three weeks after his win over Campbell.
He told InsideHook: “Everything came crashing down on me. I was lost in my head and words can’t really describe how I felt.
“It was like being in a maze and didn’t know where to go. I’m just happy to be here. I’m thankful, I really am.
“I didn’t understand it. I have everything, I’m doing so good. I get people telling me that ‘Ryan, just like the fact that you came out, you saved my life.’
“And that right there is worth all the pain I went through. If a kid got out of a dark place because of my story, that’s worth more than I could ever do in the ring.”
Garcia fights Emmanuel Tagou on Saturday, April 9 with the fight live on DAZN.
Garcia has two lions tattooed on his chest, with the first completed in January 2021
His stunning collection of supercars features a Lamborgini and Audi RS
The lightweight star has also been snapped with his Ferarri
Garcia is proud of his Mexican heritage and Canelo Alvarez is a big fan
He provides regular updates on his Instagram ahead of fight night
His luxurious Lamborghini Urus packs a punch with 641bhp
