The best punch trackers on the market
31st December 2020
By: Max Taylor
Since his debut, Ryan Garcia has always faced critics who disregard his expertise due to the lack of quality on his resume. However, he can change that on Saturday night when he faces two-time Lightweight title challenger Luke Campbell.
When Garcia entered the pro ranks as a teen, many who weren’t familiar with his extensive amateur pedigree made the mistake that he was inexperienced. However, he showed this is where he belonged with his first three fights being finished inside the first-round courtesy of his blistering hand speed and inch perfect accuracy.
Another common misconception is that he is a one-dimensional fighter who is reliant on his powerful lead hook. Although it is a thunderous punch that Garcia has in his arsenal which can sway the momentum of a fight in his favor, it is not the only aspect to his game.
What I noticed when writing about Deontay Wilder and his destructive right hand was that no boxer is a one-trick pony, there is an array of skills they need and other tricks they must possess to pull said one off. With Garcia’s left hook, he lands it so frequently by restricting body movement so his opponents cannot tell when it’s coming yet he still follows through with enough power to buckle their knees
His timing and reach management is also exceptional as his advantageous height allows him to find a pocket of space where he can land straight shots and still be out of harm’s way. Not many lightweights have this luxury as most aren’t 5’10.
The Californian uses his privilege to find a home for a straight right hand that has pierced the guards of many and regularly follows from the left hook if that hasn’t already dropped his adversary.
These well-oiled weapons have executed 17 out of the 20 that have been in the firing line before the final bell has rung.
Handling business early on could give the impression that Garcia is lacking in preparation for future bouts that venture into later rounds. Whoever said this about ‘The Flash’ would have to eat their words as he has successfully gone the distance three times in his career, two of which were in ten-rounders
As far as the 22-year-old’s team goes, to say he is in safe hands would be an understatement. Mexican trainer Eddie Reynoso keeps a watchful eye on the young hopeful who has been gaining invaluable experience in camp alongside the one and only Canelo Alvarez.
Reynoso will already be used to training famous fighters as he has seen his prodigy in Alvarez skyrocket in publicity as he became the face of boxing. Garcia’s fame is a different case altogether though as, even though they almost share the same following, Alvarez became well-known for his accomplishments in the sport whereas ‘King Ry’ generated his fan base without yet achieving a great deal in boxing.
That can all change in a couple days’ time if the viral boxing sensation can triumph a man 11 years his senior who also derives from a seasoned amateur background. Campbell won the Olympic gold medal for Great Britain back in 2012 and has had a roller coaster career since then. The winner becomes the interim WBC champion and will earn the rights to a title shot, uncharted territory for the youngster but already-trodden ground for ‘Coolhand’.
Undoubtedly, Saturday evening will be the toughest outing for Garcia where we will see his character tested. As for Campbell, we already know what he is made of but uncertainty looms on if it will be enough to beat a hungry foe who is full of potential.
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Max Taylor articles
Photography – Amanda Wescott