Ryan Garcia, The New Golden Boy Wins Against Vet Jayson Velez

On Friday night, Golden Boy Promotions rising star Ryan Garcia (15-0) delivered on a unanimous decision win over veteran Jayson Velez. Garcia, 19, of Victorville made his first headline debut at the Stubhub Center, in Carson, CA. 

Photo credit: Golden Boy Promotions

Garcia started his night by pulling up on his supporters as they waited in the tickets lines just minutes before the doors opened. Fans surrounded and people cheered to have access to the fighter they traveled to see. 

Backstage prior to the fight Garcia remained loose, enjoying family and music in preparation to the main event. Garcia entered the ring with fans cheering and it was clear who the people came to see. 

Jayson Velez continually attempted to close the distance and rough the young fighter up. Garcia said: 

“I feel good, but I need to learn somethings. I need to learn how to handle roughhousing. Either way, I’m only 19, so it was a good experience. It taught me a lot. He was a tough guy,  but I landed a lot of crazy shots. I thank Jayson Velez. I will learn from this experience.”

Golden Boy Promotions

The Victorville native was able to use his athleticism, hand speed, and footwork to outwork and counter Velez over 12 rounds. Garcia appeared to suffer substantial hand swelling but toughed the fight out. 

The Flash landed the more consistent and damaging blows, as Velez tried to walk him down and throw overhand power shots unsuccessfully.

After the fight, Garcia was aksed about his performance and said that he was not satisfied. A sign of a future great, Garcia pointed out that he was lacking body work - he was. 

When asked about facing Gervonta "Tank" Davis, his immediate answer was, "Let’s go, let's work. I don’t fear nobody let’s get it on!" 

The New Golden Boy, Ryan Garcia will have time to sharpen his tools before stepping up to Championship level and the seeds are planted. A large, young and loyal fan base with the assistance of Oscar De La Hoya, Bernard Hopkins, and Golden Boy Promotions implies success.

Only time will tell for King Ryan.