Canelo On Ryan Garcia Fight Dropout: “He’s Going To Be Back Soon. He Needs A Little Time”

Despite preparing for what may well be one of the toughest tests of his career, a fight against Billy Joe Saunders, ‘Canelo’ Alvarez is also taking the time to act as a mentor to one of boxings brightest prospects. That prospect being Ryan Garcia.

Garcia was scheduled to face Javier Fortuna on April 24th but pulled out of the fight only 11 days after it was booked. The reasoning behind this drop out was due to Garcia struggling with his mental health. The 22-year-old has previously battled with depression and anxiety. However, Canelo has revealed that he will be there to help Garcia through these difficult times.

In a recent interview with Boxing Scene, Alvarez had the following to say about his younger teammate: “We are here to support him. He’s going to be back soon. He needs a little time. He knows what happened. We are a team, and we will support him in every way and moment.”

Canelo himself is no stranger to adversity. The WBC, WBA and Ring Magazine super-middleweight champion recently revealed that his brother was kidnapped in 2018. Alvarez handled the negotiations himself, whilst also preparing for the Rocky Fielding fight.

When asked if these experiences he’s been through have ever led to his own mental health issues, Canelo said: “Thank God, but no. I have had my problems in my life, but I’ve always known how to move ahead and go forward and put the problems aside. I’ve always understood there is a solution” (via Boxing Scene.)

When do you think we will see Ryan Garcia back in the ring? Let us know in the comments.