Henry Garcia: "Ryan Garcia is close to fighting Manny Pacquiao this year"

Ryan Garcia's father reveals 'deal is close' for pair to fight in Texas in April or May

Ryan Garcia's father Herny Garcia has revealed that a deal is close to being completed for a fight between his son Ryan and Manny Pacquiao for April or May 2021 in Texas.

The undefeated 'King Ry' defeated Luke Campbell earlier in the month to earn the WBC intermin lightweight title, but is instead keen to pursue his dream of fighting Pacquiao.

The 22-year-old posted a picture on his instagram of the pair on a fight poster, which fuelled rumours that the fight had already been made.

However Henry Garcia told MyBettingSites via Sky Sports that it was close but it could well be completed soon, despite links with Devin Haney and Gervonta Davis.

He said: "Everybody has agreed, all there is left are the details. But both parties have already agreed; promoters have agreed, sanctioning bodies have agreed, so we're very close to sealing the deal. We're going to know this week if everything goes through, we're negotiating today, they are already in discussion.

"I believe Ryan is ready for Manny Pacquiao because when Ryan puts his mind to something he's not going to back down, he's got all of the confidence in the world. When you have that confidence and motivation and drive, you can focus on what's in front of you and you're most likely going to become victorious.

"Ryan likes to take control and we understood that when (Keith) Thurman put pressure on Manny, he had a hard time fighting backwards - when you reach a certain age you're no longer as strong as a 20-year-old, we stand a very good chance. He's 20 years younger than Pacquiao and we feel that's to our advantage and that's one of the reasons why I feel it's a changing of the guard fight - it's our time."

Garcia also revealed that the fight could be named as an exhibition despite both fighter's being active and is keen on making the fight a catchweight of 143-pounds.

"I'd like that fight at 143 and I'd love that fight to happen in April or May. This one is possibly going to be in Texas, we're not sure yet," Henry Garcia said.

"We don't know exact details yet [on whether or not the fight will be an exhibition], but we're looking at a good 10-rounder but it's going to be a real fight, that I do know.

"I don't think so - that's the direction we're heading down because no one wants to lose status but they do both want to fight each other and that's the key. It's not bizarre, it's just two people who want to fight each other; Ryan's fighting a legend and Pacquiao's fighting a rising star, so it's not awkward at all. What I do know is both fighters want to fight each other and it's going to be for real - it's going to be a real fight.

"Ryan always admired Pacquiao and always wanted to fight a legend before his time was up, he wanted to fight someone of Pacquiao's calibre, so there's a chance it could happen."

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