Ryan Garcia needs to re-establish his dominance in the lightweight division after being inactive for more than a year, and his upcoming fight against Emmanuel Tagoe will hold sheer importance in that trial.

Garcia looked vulnerable in his last outing in January 2021, where he suffered his maiden knockdown against Luke Campbell. Nevertheless, ‘KingRy’ rebounded in the fight and stopped Campbell from extending his unbeaten streak.

While Tagoe is now standing in his way, Garcia is gaining lessons from his legendary surroundings, which also include the former world champion, Oscar De La Hoya. The Golden Boy CEO recently met Ryan Garcia in the gym and tipped him to apply the ‘shorter key’ technique against Emmanuel Tagoe on April 19.

Garcia and De La Hoya shared a light moment, and the former world champion showed all his faith in the young prodigy. That said, Garcia seems one win far from re-entering the title ride. And he is critically positioned in the vicious lightweight division, at this moment.

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While Ryan Garcia sidelined himself from all the action after facing Campbell, the lightweight division went through some serious transition. George Kambosos Jr. snatched the unified 135 lbs straps from Teofimo Lopez. Besides, Isaac Cruz put an end to Gervonta Davis’ KO-streak and took ‘Tank’ to the distance.

Amidst such a situation, Ryan Garcia will now re-enter the slide. The 23-year-old had actually wanted to face Isaac Cruz and then George Kambosos Jr. on his returning bout. However, neither of them acknowledged him. Now, a win over Tagoe will be the biggest step up for ‘KingRy’.

Will Emmanuel Tagoe be a tough test for Ryan Garcia?

After losing his debut professional fight via TKO in 2004, Tagoe is yet to surrender in the ring again. He currently holds a pro-record of 32-1, with 15 Knockouts under the belt. Having gained way more pro-experience than Garcia, Tagoe can possibly have an upper hand on his next appearance.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Tagoe has never tasted a world title and has faced no top-tier opponent from the existing lightweight division. Therefore, he might step through the ropes as an underdog against Ryan Garcia. But it will be wrong to write away his chances of winning.

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