RISING star Ryan Garcia has had to pull out of his July 9 clash with Javier Fortuna.

โ€œI know this news may be disappointing to some of my fans but I am announcing today that I am withdrawing from my July 9 fight,โ€ the lightweight contender said.

โ€œAt this time it is important to manage my health and wellbeing. I have decided to take some time off to focus on becoming a stronger version of myself. I hope to be back soon and am looking forward to stepping back into the ring when I am my healthiest self. I want to thank God, my family, my doctors and my supporters.โ€

Garcia had proved himself a legitimate contender when he stopped Luke Campbell with a devastating body shot when they fought in January. It put him on a path to stardom in one of boxing’s most exciting divisions.

The American has received support from other fighters. Former opponent Campbell said, โ€œRespect to Ryan for putting his health and wellbeing first. Rest up champ.โ€ While scheduled foe Javier Fortuna issued a statement saying, โ€œI wish Ryan Garcia a speedy recovery… There are things more important than fighting and I hope he is able to quickly recover. We can reschedule our fight for a time when I can face and beat a 100% prepared version of Ryan Garcia.โ€

His promoter Golden Boy has backed him, with Oscar De La Hoya saying, โ€œThe health of our fighters is of the utmost importance to us at Golden Boy. We wholeheartedly support Ryan Garcia and wish him the best during this time.โ€

Teofilmo Lopez, the current division leader, noted, โ€œIt takes a brave soul like Ryan Garcia to openly express that he’s going through tough times mentally. Instead of pointing the finger at him maybe you all should take a lesson from it. We’re all dealing with something so what makes us any better?โ€