_2021_01_03_075949.jpg)
Two-time world champion Javier Fortuna, his promoter Sampson Lewkowicz and their entire team sincerely wish fellow lightweight contender Ryan Garcia a speedy recovery.
Fortuna (36-2-1, 25 KOs) and Garcia (21-0, 18 KOs) were to have faced off in a July 9 highly anticipated showdown streamed live on DAZN.
The fight was ordered by the WBC, with the winner of that contest having to battle the winner of Devin Haney vs. Jorge Linares, which takes place on May 22nd.
However, Garcia announced to his 8.6 million followers on Saturday that he was withdrawing from the fight to recuperate his health and wellbeing.
Garcia did not specify what the issues were, but in the past the boxer openly discussed that he sometimes battles severe anxiety.
“I wish Ryan Garcia a speedy recovery,” said Fortuna. “There are things more important than fighting and I hope he is able to quickly recover. We can reschedule our fight for a time when I can face and beat a 100% prepared version of Ryan Garcia.”
Fortuna, rated #2 by the World Boxing Council, says he’s not sure yet if he’ll be facing a different opponent next.
“At the end of the day, your health is what truly matters,” added Lewkowicz. “I commend Ryan Garcia for having the courage to admit he needs to focus on his life away from the ring. We will be ready to reschedule when he is and our whole team wishes him well.”