RYAN GARCIA feels honored to be a mental-health advocate, after Tyson Fury's own battle with depression inspired him.
Javier Fortuna was the lightweight sensation who withdrew in April as he courageously admitted that he was struggling with personal demons.
Ryan Garcia says Tyson Fury was his inspiration
Tyson Fury overcomes personal demons to become the heavyweight champion
After 18 months Garcia won over Emmanuel Tagoe in April this year.
As he seeks to inspire and help others, the American has been honest and open about his struggles.
He also revealed that Fury, the heavyweight champion and who returned from 28STONE to win titles, was his motivation.
SunSport interview with Garcia, 23: Tyson Fury is an inspiration. If I could also advocate for mental health that would be a great honor.
"It just so happens that it happened to us and a few times I did look at Tyson Fury, his struggles and how he recovered.
He was a huge guy, weighing in at 400 lbs or whatever he weighed. And he made a comeback.
"If he could do it, I can come back from where my head is."
"I'm just another guy with a different story, but it is an important story.
"It will benefit both young children and older adults who are able to connect with the challenge."
Fury, a boxing legend, went from winning the 2015 unified titles to fighting suicidal thoughts and being obese in just two years.
He made his comeback in 2018 and was again the heavyweight king by 2020. He continues to inspire.
Garcia hopes for a similar return, having signed to fight Fortuna live on DAZN Saturday.
The all-new US Gold Boy is mentally and physically stronger than ever before.
He stated, "I am really in tune with myself." You'll find the truth faster and better if you continue practicing and taking no breaks.
"So when you say that I'm in better place, it means I'm skillful-wise, my timing and my reactions, how fast my thinking in the ring is, it's much more.
"I no longer have the year-and-a half of rust, I'm back where I was and feel great."
Garcia fell and dominated Tagoe (33), over 12 rounds, and was then in line to face Isaac Cruz (24) afterwards.
After talks fell apart, he was able to resolve his unfinished business, which he had with Fortuna, 32 after their cancellation of the headliner.
Garcia said: "It just so happens that after Cruz decided not to fight, Fortuna presented itself as an opponent.
"I was like, "Wow, OK". Now, I can redeem the fight I had pulled out of.
It feels good, because I know I would have beaten him back then and I will beat him now. I cannot wait to get in that ring."
Garcia wanted to return with a bang against Tagoe, and he looked like he was on his way after scoring a knockdown round two.
KingRy was frustrated that the Ghanaian could not hold the bell and survived to hear the last bell.
Garcia wishes Dominican Fortuna would be a better partner for his dance moves in a fight that he hopes will make the division pay attention.
He stated that "The best thing about now was, before I was out, for a year, and a quarter, and because Tagoe had been on the move. Did it throw me off?" Yes.
"Because I wasn't prepared for anyone like that, or because I didn't have my timing right yet.
"But now, I think everything, and I'm in an even better place boxing-wise, skills-wise, and even if Fortuna got on the move as Tagoe, he would be able get to me much better."
Ryan Garcia defeated Emmanuel Tagoe during his comeback fight
