Ryan Garcia vs. Joseph Diaz In The Works For Fall

Ryan Garcia and Joseph Diaz appear to be on a collision course.

Garcia hasn’t been seen in action since capturing the interim WBC Lightweight Title. He did so by knocking out Luke Campbell with a body shot back in January. He was expected to put his gold on the line against Javier Fortuna but mental health issues put him out of action.

ESPN’s Mike Coppinger is reporting that a high-stakes showdown between Garcia and Diaz is being worked on for the fall.

Here’s what Diaz told ESPN about the potential 135-pound tilt.

“I’m going to take him to a place he’s never been before, physically and mentally. Ryan Garcia, I feel like he’s a very talented fighter but he’s never been in the ring with the guys I’ve been in the ring with: some warriors trying to take your head off, not guys I’m going to put on a highlight reel.

“If this fight doesn’t get made, it’s not on my end — it’s on theirs.”

Diaz feels that despite being at a height disadvantage, he has physical strength that Garcia isn’t used to.

“He’s been fighting guys a lot smaller than him and I feel like with me, he’ll have the height advantage, but as far as physical body strength, I might be even stronger. If not, we’ll both be the same. He’s going to feel my power in there.”

“JoJo” thinks he will be able to stop Garcia down the stretch.

“I think I’ll stop Ryan in the later rounds. My pressure and body shots will be too much for him. He’ll be feeling my shots and trying to hold and hug but I think my overwhelmingness will be one of the keys to victory.”

Diaz recently captured the interim WBC Lightweight Title, which had been vacated due to Garcia’s inactivity. He stepped up to replace Garcia, going one-on-one with Javier Fortuna. Diaz, the former IBF Super-Featherweight Champion, defeated Fortuna via unanimous decision.

What do you make of the potential clash between Ryan Garcia and Joseph Diaz?