AFP Photos
MANILA, Philippines — Fast rising star Ryan Garcia on Monday claimed he is fighting Manny Pacquiao.
Garcia has been seeking a dream showdown with the Filipino boxing legend since his impressive win over Luke Campbell to win the WBC interim lightweight title earlier this year.
“A dream turned reality,” Garcia wrote on his Instagram account.
“It’s an honor to share the ring with @mannypacquiao. I will always respect what you did in and out the ring. Here’s to the best Man Winning.”
His post came just a day after a report by The Athletic surfaced that the two fighters are in “preliminary discussions” on a possible inter-generational bout.
Undefeated after 21 fights with 18 knockouts, Garcia is deemed as the next big thing in boxing.
The 22-year-old Garcia, however, hasn’t fought anyone near the caliber of Pacquiao, the sport’s only eight-division champion.
Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KOs), meanwhile, hasn’t fought since winning the WBA (Super) welterweight crown back in July 2019. He turned 42 last month.