Ryan Garcia drops Javier Fortuna 3 times in round 6 KO (video)

Ryan Garcia impressed by knocking Javier Fortuna down three times en route to a round 6 KO victory at L.A.’s Crypto.com Arena. 

Ryan Garcia, a.k.a. ‘King Ry,’ was the king of Los Angeles, CA, on Saturday, July 16, as he scored his second victory of 2022. He dropped opponent Javier Fortuna three times in a one-sided fight at the Crypto.com Arena and was victorious by a round 6 knockout.

Garcia (23-0, 19 KOs) and Fortuna moved up to super lightweight. At 5-foot-10, Garcia had a 4-inch height advantage over Fortuna, but Fortuna rehydrated to 157 pounds compared to 148 pounds for Garcia, according to DAZN commentators.

Fortuna (37-4-1, 26 KOs) looked out of shape at the weigh-in and didn’t look much better in the fight. He was supposed to fight Garcia in 2021, but Garcia pulled out of the bout, citing mental health issues.

Garcia has spoken about the importance of mental health numerous times. During his layoff, he also had surgery on his right hand at the end of 2021. He returned to the ring in April, defeating Emmanuel Tagoe by unanimous decision.

Garcia looked good against Tagoe, but he was elite against Fortuna.

Garcia started round 1 with an active left hand. He mixed in jabs and hooks to Fortuna’s head in a measured round that saw Garcia take control early.

Fortuna landed his jab several times early in round 2 from the southpaw stance. However, Garcia’s right hand jolted Fortuna’s head back to regain control of the round. He landed it a few more times before the round ended.

Garcia opened up in round 4. His right hand connected with regularity, and then Garcia dropped Fortuna with a left hand to the body. The punch made Fortuna wince, and he spat out his mouthpiece to buy some time.

https://twitter.com/DAZNBoxing/status/1548515691212378112?s=20&t=h5N6qFwd72Qyb6L44jGEPw

Ryan Garcia called out Gervonta Davis after he knocked out Javier Fortuna in round 6 of their super lightweight matchup

Garcia stayed patient while Fortuna tried to fight back. Fortuna attempted to show Garcia he wasn’t hurt, but the damage was done on the scorecards.

About 70 seconds into round 5, Garcia rocked Fortuna with a left hook that sent him to the canvas for the second time. Again, Fortuna was visibly hurt, and Garcia went in to finish the fight.

Fortuna retaliated with a left, showing he was still dangerous. Garcia slowed his tempo to close another dominant round.

https://twitter.com/DAZNBoxing/status/1548516784730357761?s=20&t=h5N6qFwd72Qyb6L44jGEPw

Fortuna’s corner worked feverishly to prepare their fighter for round 6. They repeatedly asked if he “can work.” He got off his stool and began the round but quickly went down for the third time from a Garcia left hook to the head.

This time, Fortuna took the 10-count, giving Garcia the round 6 knockout victory.

https://twitter.com/DAZNBoxing/status/1548517541022093312?s=20&t=h5N6qFwd72Qyb6L44jGEPw

After the fight, Garcia stated that he would stay at super lightweight. He also called out Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis, stating that he would record the negotiations to prove that he’s not ducking Davis.

Davis stopped Rolly Romero by round 6 TKO in May to retain his WBA “regular” lightweight title. Davis campaigns as a lightweight but fought Mario Barrios at super lightweight in 2021. Davis won that contest via round 11 TKO.

Garcia vs. Davis would be a mega-fight between two of the most talented young boxers in the world. Fingers crossed that we get that fight next.