Image Source: Boxing News Online
Ryan Garcia has recently stirred up the boxing world by revealing who he considers the toughest opponent he has faced in his career. Surprisingly, it isn’t Gervonta Davis, who stopped him in their highly publicized bout in 2023. Instead, Garcia pointed to Oscar Duarte as the most demanding fight of his journey across 27 professional outings.
Many boxing fans anticipated Garcia would label Davis as the most formidable challenge after suffering a knockout from a devastating body shot in their encounter. Garica, however, looks back on that match not as the peak of his competition. Instead, he highlighted his 2023 bout against Duarte, where he faced a series of challenges before ultimately stopping Duarte in the eighth round.
“My hardest fight was Oscar Duarte – the one that Richardson Hitchins ducked. I knocked him out, but he was hard,” Garcia stated during an interview with DAZN. This statement has sparked conversations among boxing enthusiasts about what defines a tough fight.
Throughout his career, Garcia has faced various contenders who tested his skills in the ring. One notable fight that fans frequently reference was against Rolando Romero in May 2025, where he experienced a knockdown before securing a unanimous decision victory. Garcia’s encounter with Devin Haney in 2024 also pushed him to the brink, as he narrowly edged a majority decision. However, following this match, he faced additional scrutiny after testing positive for a banned substance, which led to a suspension.
Duarte, who is gearing up for an all-Mexican clash against Angel Fierro soon, had been in line to face Richardson Hitchins earlier this year, but the fight was canceled after Hitchins fell ill. Garcia’s revelation places Oscar Duarte into the spotlight, highlighting the often-overlooked fighters who can pose significant challenges inside the ring.
Garcia’s career path continues to capture attention. He is currently navigating a landscape filled with tough competition, with discussions surrounding his next potential opponents ripe for exploration. While he remains focused on his journey back to championship glory, it’s clear that each fight—including his hardest ones—shapes the fighter he is today.
As fans wait to see who Garcia will face next, his acknowledgment of Duarte’s worth serves as a reminder that every fighter brings their unique complexities to the sport, challenging their opponents in ways beyond just their raw power and skill.
