Boxer, SoCal native Ryan Garcia discusses fight with mental health

Last weekend, Ryan Garcia won his second fight of 2022, but his road back to the ring has not been an easy one. Garcia has opened up in the previous months regarding his battle with mental health.

LOS ANGELES - Last weekend, Southern California's own Ryan Garcia delivered a victory for the hometown fans after beating Javier Fortuna at Crypto.com Arena.

Last Saturday's main card marks Garcia's second fight of 2022, but his road back to the ring has not been an easy one. Garcia, who turns 24 in August, has opened up in the previous months regarding his battle with anxiety and mental health. In fact, his mental health battle got so bad the Southern California native had to pull out of a July 2021 fight.

SoCal native Ryan Garcia preparing for fight vs. Javier Fortuna in LA following mental health battle

This weekend's main card marks Ryan Garcia's second fight of 2022, but his road back to the ring has not been an easy one. Garcia opens up with FOX 11 regarding his battle with anxiety.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 03: Ryan Garcia speaks onstage during the Snap Inc 2022 NewFronts at Jazz at Lincoln Center on May 03, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for Snap Inc. )

"Why anxiety and depression hit me like a truck and why I’m still recovering I’ll never know. But I’m trying to cope with the issues I’m having!" Garcia said, in part, said on social media.

Garcia left last weekend with a 23-0 win-loss record and defended his minor WBC lightweight belt. Fortuna, who is from the Dominican Republic, left ring at Crypto.com Arena with a 37-3-1 record.

Are you or anyone you know dealing with mental health battles? Help is available. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has a free and confidential 24/7 hotline, which can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Those interested in learning about SAMHSA can click here for more information.