Golden Boy Promotions has finalized plans for Ryan Garcia to return to the ring and it will not be in California. The fight was first announced by ESPN.com's Mike Coppinger who broke the story, with Jake Donovan of BoxingScene.com announcing that the fight would land on December 2nd in San Antonio, Texas.
The lucky suitor for Garcia will be none other than Golden Boy Promotions' Oscar Duarte as the two are set to do battle at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. Since Garcia's last loss in April to Gervonta Davis, Garcia fired his trainer Joe Goossen, and moved to Dallas, Texas to train with Derrick James. This bout will be somewhat of a home game for Garcia, who now trains in the region.
Eric Gomez had told ProBox TV News prior that they were targeting a late November date with multiple media outlets reporting a November 18th date as Garcia's return date. Another question comes with this announcement as Vergil Ortiz Jr. was thought to return in December, and with DAZN having three fights in the first three weeks of December, one might wonder if Ortiz will return in 2023, as he has yet to fight this year after multiple delays and a serious health issue.
Garcia's 2023 has been successful for his wallet as despite losing an April 22 fight via knockout to Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis, the Showtime pay-per-view was very successful at making money
Garcia's upcoming bout will see him fight at junior welterweight against a very tough opponent in Oscar Duarte, who has primarily competed at lightweight. This bout will answer some question about Garcia's motivations in the sport following such a big payday, as well as his trainer, Derrick James who has fallen on some criticism falling back-to-back losses in high-profile fights with Errol Spence Jr., and Jermell Charlo
