World Boxing News understands that American superstar-in-the-making Ryan ‘Wonder Boy’ Garcia is being considered for the Anthony Joshua undercard.
The 20 year-old phenom reached 18-0 on March 30 with second-round retirement of Jose Lopez. Due to the nature of the early finish, Golden Boy boss Oscar De La Hoya wants Garcia out fairly quickly.
That’s where the Joshua bill comes in. Garcia is being lined up to face British Martin Joseph Ward to keep within the theme of the UK v USA headlined show.
Garcia has attracted worldwide attention of late. A string of superb performances has most firmly believing Garcia will become a world champion soon.
De La Hoya has already predicted Garcia will win straps at multiple weights. High praise from a man who won ten world championships in five divisions himself.
For the DAZN show itself, Joshua tops the New York bill against American Jarrell Miller. All four of AJ’s top division belts will be up for grabs.
Experienced UK campaigners Callum Smith and Kell Brook are also pencilled in to feature.
Ideally, promoter Eddie Hearn wants both Smith and Brook to face US contenders. This is in order to keep his promise of a Trans-Atlantic showdown throughout the card.
Garcia v Ward would likely take place at super-featherweight and could have the Briton’s WBC International Silver title on the line.
More will be revealed soon as the Joshua v Miller event heats up for Madison Square Garden on June 1.
Kal Yafai defends his WBA super-flyweight title on the night. Whilst former amateur stars Joshua Buatsi and Josh Kelly are both lined up to feature.
JOSHUA v MILLER – CONFIRMED SO FAR:
Anthony Joshua v Jarrell Miller
(WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO heavyweight titles)
Kal Yafai v Norberto Jimenez
(WBA super-flyweight title)
Callum Smith v TBA
(WBA ‘Super’ /WBC Diamond Super-middleweight title)
Kell Brook v TBA
(super-welterweight)
Joshua Buatsi v TBA
(light-heavyweight)
Josh Kelly v TBA
(super-welterweight)
Possible:
Ryan Garcia v Martin J Ward
(super-featherweight)
