As previously reported on BoxingScene.com, Ryan Garcia (23-1, 19 KOs) will make his return to the ring against Mexico’s Oscar “La Migraña” Duarte (26-1-1, 21 KOs) on Saturday, December 2. Scheduled for 12-rounds.
The super lightweight event is presented in association with Cancun Boxing and will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN.
“Let’s go! I am so excited to announce that I will be fighting Oscar Duarte on December 2,” said Garcia. “I’m back and feeling better and stronger than before. I wanted Duarte for me and for the fans. He’s tough and I’m ready to give people another show at my best weight again. Say whatever you want about Ryan Garcia, but I’m always going to give the fans what they want. Love you. See you December 2 on DAZN. Location and ticketing will be announced soon.”
Garcia’s last fight against Gervonta “Tank” Davis in April 2023 garnered more than 1.2 million pay-per-view buys and generated a $22.8 million gate at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, making it the top 5 best gates in Nevada boxing history.
“This is one of the reasons fight fans love Ryan — instead of taking baby steps back after a hard fought fight, he is returning against a guy with lethal power who doesn’t take a step backwards,” said Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “Whoever emerges victorious is immediately in line for a shot against any of the current world champions. Fans aren’t going to want to miss this one.”
Garcia previously held the WBC interim lightweight title, dispatching top contenders such as Olympic gold medalist Luke Campbell.
Duarte of Parral, Chihuahua is unafraid to go in the pocket with any fighter. Duarte is a resilient bull who has been knocking fighter’s heads off one-by-one. His sole loss was in 2019 against Adrian Estrella, which he has avenged with a string of 11 straight knockout victories, the last three including the rugged D’Angelo Keyes, the tough Alex Martin, and veteran Javier Franco.
“I feel very happy and full of enthusiasm now that this fight against Ryan Garcia has been finalized. This is the opportunity of a lifetime,” said Duarte. “I want to thank Golden Boy for giving me this great opportunity. I am very grateful for the support of my entire team. Everyone can expect the very best version of Oscar Duarte. I am ready to win this fight. I will lift the name of Mexico up on high.”