December 2 is a night when two boxers with contrasting stories collide. While Ryan Garcia is trying to salvage his career after a loss to Gervonta Davis, Oscar Duarte looks set to take it to new soaring heights. A million eyes have been on ‘KingRy’ and his path to rebound and steering his career back to winning ways. Meanwhile, his Mexican opponent is toiling hard, away from public eyes, to ensure he collects a win in the biggest fight of his career. But how can Duarte snatch a victory against one of the boxing world’s stars?

The boxing world has seen less of Duarte, but he is the next big thing in his homeland, Mexico. The 27-year-old is on a roll and has put his last 11 opponents on the canvas. Such a stat is enough to evoke fear in any opponent’s mind. Also, he is hitting his prime years and wants to make the most of his peak, so it’s no wonder he is compared to the likes of Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez.

Oscar Duarte: A 135-pound Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez

Duarte, at 26-1-1, has carved out a reputation as a heavy puncher who might be slow on the feet but will break down opponents. He has spent his 10-year-long professional career in the 135-pound division and will mark his 140-pound division debut against Ryan Garcia. Despite being inexperienced at 140 compared to Garcia, the power behind Duarte’s punches is a threat too lethal to not take note of.

“I compare him [Oscar Duarte] to a GGG, but at 135 pounds,” Barak Bess expressed. “Because of his style, the way he goes in with hooks rather than jabs. But it’s more like a 135-lb GGG.”

Akin Reyes made a similar amusing remark about Duarte when he pointed out how Duarte gave him “the Canelo vibes.”  Talking to the DAZN boxing show, he listed the reasons: “The look, in shape, and he’s a stalker like that.”

Duarte was more jubilant, focused, and determined when he appeared during the press conference. On the other hand, Garcia appeared disoriented and accused Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions of backing up his opponent. The psychology says it all. In addition, the writing has been on the wall for Garcia, as he is more susceptible to power punchers. And in Duarte, he might have a worse matchup.

Ominous signs existed before Gervonta Davis dropped Ryan Garcia

‘Tank’ exposed Garcia’s inability to absorb punches and his vulnerable frame during their mega fight in April. That was not the first time Garcia found himself on the mat, reeling from the effects of his opponent’s punches. Luke Campbell, not a reputed big puncher, had Garcia on his knees when they squared off in 2021.

The California native appeared in trouble when Carlos Morales connected a few heavy shots and rocked him back in 2018. He has a weak chin, and his inability to absorb body blows makes him an easy target. Additionally, Garcia has switched trainers too frequently to plug holes in his one-dimensional boxing style.

Read More: “He’ll Probably Thrive Without Oscar”: Following Intense Feud With Promoters, Fans Implore Ryan Garcia to Leave Golden Boy as De La Hoya Promotes Fight on Social Media

Currently, under the tutelage of Derrick James, Garcia is trying to get his confidence back. But it was James who handpicked Duarte to match with his pupil. Has he committed a blunder and put Garcia’s career in jeopardy? It appears so.

Can Oscar Duarte pull off an upset against Ryan Garcia?

Ryan Garcia is fallible. He can taste the mat when a few hard-hitting body shots hit the target. All Duarte has to do is neutralize Garcia’s speed, eat up some punches, and avoid his lethal left hook. If Duarte can pierce through Garcia’s shaky defense and land a few heavy shots on his body, it might not take long to knock down Garcia.

A win for Duarte is not a far-fetched dream but a close and realistic outcome. Oscar de la Hoya believes the surging contender has all the ingredients to beat Garcia: dedication, demeanor, skills, and a work ethic.

Duarte just has to stitch all these together and stick to his game plan. His performance inside the square ring will surely surprise people; that’s what even Oscar De La Hoya has banked his faith in. “I think people are going to be surprised with Oscar Duarte when he gets inside the ring.”

What do you make of Oscar Duarte’s chances against Ryan Garcia? Who do you believe will leave the arena with a victory? Let us know in the comments below.

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