Undefeated boxing sensation Ryan Garcia is already off to a tremendous start in 2021, as the 22-year-old became the first American boxer to sign a national sponsorship deal with Gatorade earlier this week.
Garcia, who defeated Luke Campbell via seventh-round TKO earlier this month to claim the vacant WBC interim lightweight title, is one of the most exciting young names in combat sports today. Oscar De La Hoya has taken the young boxer under his wing as a main member of Golden Boy Promotions and that has allowed “Flash” to cruise to an impressive 21-0 career record.
“We pride ourselves on fueling all types of athletes, and those who compete in combat sports, a world we’ve supported for many years, are no exception,” said Jeff Kearney, Gatorade’s global head of sports marketing (per a press release). “Bringing Ryan on at the national level in the U.S. only strengthens that commitment, and it is a testament to his talent and work ethic.”
Garcia, who called for Gatorade to sponsor him years ago, will join the likes of other professional athletes sponsored by the company such as Fernando Tatis Jr., Matthew Wolff, Zion Williamson, Jayson Tatum, and Sydney McLaughlin. The 22-year-old boxing sensation took to social media to celebrate his historic moment.
“Four years ago I asked @gatorade to sponsor me and now I’m officially part of the team and the First Professional Boxer to sign a national deal in the U.S this really is a dream turned reality. ONLY LEGENDS USE GATORADE IM HYPED!!!”
While Garcia will have some time to celebrate his new sponsorship deal the aspiring boxing champion will have his hands full inside of the ring sooner rather than later. Garcia has already been linked to a potential showdown with WBA (Regular) lightweight champion Gervonta Davis, but “Flash” may have even bigger plans in store for 2021.
Garcia is actually hoping to take his new found stardom and land a massive fight with boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, per ESPN. It would be one of the biggest fights to make in 2021 and one that would take Garcia’s new Gatorade deal to an entirely new level. Garcia took to social media earlier this week to promote his potential clash with “Pac-Man.”
“A dream turned reality. It’s an honor to share the Ring with @mannypacquiao I will always respect what you did in and out the ring. Here’s to the best Man Winning.”
This may be big news for Garcia and his fans, but the lightweight youngster still has to win when the lights are brightest. At least he’ll have some Gatorade to sip on in between rounds.