Oscar De La Hoya on Ryan Garcia:
“I think it’s the ‘IT’ factor. When we talk about that ‘IT’ factor, you can say it’s about his abilities to perform in the ring, to adjust. He has the speed and the power but he has that it factor, that it factor you’re basically sometimes born with it. It’s an instinctual factor he’s bringing to the ring. Fighters like Sugar Ray Leonard and myself and Floyd Mayweather and Canelo, you have that it factor. When I first contacted Ryan Garcia I believe he had two fights under his belt as a pro. I felt that presence. He’s obviously proving it time after time. He’s a young kid who I believe is destined to do great things. The only person keeping him from that is himself, just like every fighter with that it factor. I believe this fight here with Luke Campbell is a dangerous fight. You can make the argument that it’s his first real fight. So we don’t know what’s going to happen. But if he does pull this one off obviously sky’s the limit for Ryan Garcia.”
“Social media has brought the world together and Ryan Garcia, I strongly feel, can be and will be the most popular fighter on the planet. Given his age, the fact he’s early on in his career and this is his first real test, I believe Ryan Garcia will become the largest and biggest star possibly in boxing history. It all depends on him. We firmly believe this is the perfect platform for him to take off and become that destined fighter. But first thing is first. Luke Campbell, you cannot take anything away from him. He’s a fighter who is also destined, has an Olympic gold medal, this is going to be one of those fights where if Campbell can stay focused and not freeze in front of those lights – the Callum Smith did against Canelo – he can really do some damage. That first bell will be the determining factor on how this fight plays out.”
GARCIA CAN KO CAMPBELL
“I believe he can. I strongly believe Ryan Garcia can make a huge statement by knocking out Luke Campbell. But again it depends on how they come out in that opening bell. That first punch always is for fighters.”