Rising star Ryan ‘The Flash’ Garcia vs. Jayson ‘La Maravilla’ Velez this Friday

This Friday May, 4 Ryan “The Flash” Garcia (14-0, 13 KOs), will headline a special edition of Golden Boy boxing as he faces seasoned Puerto Rican contender Jayson “La Maravilla” Velez. The event will take place at the Stub Hub Center in Carson, California and will kick off the Cinco de Mayo festivities.

Photo Credit: Tom Hogan-Hoganphotos/Golden Boy Promotions

At only 19 years of age, and with an excellent record of 14-0, with 13 Kos, Garcia is already considered on boxing’s best prospect, and was recognized as the 2017 prospect of the year by ESPN.

After winning multiple national championships as an amateur and several professional fights in Mexico, Garcia signed with Golden Boy Promotions in Nov. 2016. Since then, he has won every fight by knockout, including a highlight-reel knockout of Miguel Carrizoza to win the Junior NABF Super Featherweight Title.

Even though Jayson Velez is considered as the toughest opponent that Garcia has faced in his career, the pride of Victorville California is still expecting a Knockout come Friday night. In a media workout held last week, Garcia had this to say about his fight with Velez.

Photo Credit: Tom Hogan-Hoganphotos/Golden Boy Promotions

“I’ve noticed that he drops his hand a lot, so I’m going to feint to the body and catch him with my left hook. This fight is going to end in the fourth round. I may end it early, but I say it’ll end in the fourth round. The knockout doesn’t have to be with one punch because I also know how to end fights with a barrage and force the referee to end it. Two belts [NABF and NABO Super Featherweight Titles] will be on the line, and I know the the next fight will be for a world title.”

(Foto cortesía: Elite Series)

Meanwhile. Jayson Velez is coming off three impressive victories, including a unanimous decision win against the previously undefeated Alberto Mercado and back-to-back stoppage victories over former contender Giovanni “El Ruso” Caro and former world champion Juan Manuel Lopez.

Velez is looking to shock everyone and hand Garcia his first loss. Here is what he had to say about the fight.
“I will not let my country down as it is a powerful force in boxing,” said Jayson Velez. “If anyone believes that I am only going for the paycheck, they are wrong. As I have proved before, I always give my best and this will not be the exception. In the face of all predictions, I will defeat him.”

Ryan “The Flash” Garcia vs. Jayson “La Maravilla” Velez will be shown live on ESPN this Friday May 4th at 10:30pm Eastern. Who do you see winning, does Garcia continue his rise to the top or will Velez surprise the world and hand “The Flash” his first loss? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comment section below.