RYAN GARCIA believes that his battle against anxiety and depression could have been a "trainwreck" if he hadn't sought help.
America's 21-0 social media sensation will return to action on Saturday against Emmanuel Tagoe after a 15-month absence.
Ryan Garcia will return to boxing Saturday night
When his fight against mental illness began to look like the first battle he could lose, he took the time to take a break.
Garcia has been receiving professional help since he attempted to stop Luke Campbell from climbing off the canvas in January 2021. He also shared the Eddy Reynoso gym with Canelo Alvarez, a pound-for-pound king. Garcia teamed up with Joe Goossen, a respected veteran.
He confirmed that, unless he took drastic measures to end the vicious circle he was in, the next stop would be a frightening first loss.
He said, in an emotional and brave interview that he couldn't force himself to get into the ring.
READ MORE BOXING
"I took that time, and I feel amazing now. It helped me stop a trainwreck. That's what's important.
"If you don't have the mental strength to handle that ring, bad things can happen."
Before even landing a title in the world, the lightweight ace with Hollywood looks and heavyweight hands enjoyed incredible fame. This was in the form of nearly 8million Instagram followers.
He said that he believed there were many factors involved in what was happening to him. "I was suffering from anxiety and depression.
FREE BETTING AND SIGN-UP DEALS - THE BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERINGS"I don’t know if that stuff plays a role, the pressure of becoming a boxer/influencer. But all I know is that I noticed a problem, and I fixed it.
It all started with counselling. I saw a therapist and took the professional approach. I was able to get real professional help. Then, I began to understand what anxiety is and how to deal with depression.
"I started to talk to people, and it really helped me. It helped me to understand my situation and found a way out.
"Hope is a powerful tool that helps you see the light at the end. Slowly but surely, I got out of the hole that I was in."
Goossen, a maverick coach who was known for wearing double-denim clothes even in corner fights, is Garcia's mentor.
The baby-faced fighter is not surprised that Anthony Joshua did not audition for the California coach during his tour of the US in search of a new trainer after his September loss against Oleksandr Usyk.
Garcia laughed about Garcia's favorite fashion faux pas and confirmed that he was out of his fog.
He laughed and said, "It was his Canadian tuxedo that sealed the deal for me!"
"No, Joe is my real friend. He was my mentor when I was 17.
Joe is an old-school guy, and I feel like I'm an old-school soul when it comes down to the game. He and I have a great chemistry, which is why I chose him.
"Joe would have made a great team with AJ. Joe is a great trainer and can bring out a lot from you. He has a lot of grit. Joe is like Cus D’Amato's old-school trainers. He is a rough type of person, and that is what I love about him."
Garcia's hopes for a lightweight title shot are now on hold after the undisputed champ George Kambosos agreed to a June 5 clash against Devin Haney, King Ry's famous amateur 2-2 rival.
The rematch clause in the clash is in place and Vasiliy Lomachenko, a former four-belt king, is the first to be eligible for his old crowns. This was after the legend of Ukraine has defeated Russian invaders at his home.
Garcia, a fellow KO artist Gervonta ’Tank’ Davis is preparing a thriller.
He stated that he was happy for Devin Haney's and Kambosos' success, and that he hopes the best man wins.
"But they can still use me if they want to fight a major battle down the line.
Tank is my favorite superfight because Al Haymon, the American fighter, has connections to Tank and can make it happen.
"We are huge stars, and we are the most exciting fighters in paper."
More information on HOAR
"I don’t look too far ahead, because it never happens every time. Now I'm done thinking about it and am ready to destroy anyone in the ring.
Watch Garcia vs Tagoe live on DAZN, April 9.
