Ryan Garcia Withdraws From Javier Fortuna Title Fight

Ryan Garcia will no longer be fighting on July 9.

Garcia was supposed to face Javier Fortuna, as Garcia was looking to defend his WBC interim lightweight title. However, on Saturday, he announced he was withdrawing from the fight due to his health and wellbeing.

“I know this news may be disappointing to some of my fans but I am announcing today that I am withdrawing from my July 9th fight. At this time it is important to manage my health and wellbeing. I have decided to take some time off to focus on becoming a stronger version of myself. I hope to be back soon and am looking forward to stepping back into the ring when I am my healthiest self. I want to Thank God, my family, my doctors and my supporters,” Garcia wrote on Instagram.

After the news became public, Fortuna’s promoter spoke to The Ring who confirmed that Garcia was out of the fight due to mental health issues. Yet, for Sampson Lewkowicz, he wondered if Garcia just didn’t want to face Fortuna.

“Eric called me this morning and said (Garcia) has mental health issues and that he decided not to fight,” Lewkowicz said. “I have a signed contract but what do I do with a signed contract? The only thing I need is a solution. Maybe he changed his mind about fighting Fortuna. Whatever it is I wish him a speedy recovery.”

The hope for many is Ryan Garcia gets the help he needs and can get back into the ring when he is ready. Mental health is something he has been vocal about and even posted recently how he was struggling with it.

“I still struggle everyday with anxiety and depression at times because of my anxiety,” Garcia wrote. “I’m here to tell you it’s still possible to reach your dreams. There is ways to cope, I know I look like someone who is happy all the time but inside I hurt at times struggling just to function but I choose to keep moving forward. I love you guys keep going.”