Ryan Garcia impressed boxing fans across the world in 2017 after a busy year that saw him put together six stoppage wins on the trot.

The 19-year-old super-featherweight is tipped as a big star to watch out for in the coming years according to his promoter Oscar De La Hoya.

Now Garcia’s first outing of 2018 has been confirmed.

Boxing News and Views have been advised that the junior NABF Super Featherweight Title will defend his title next up on March 22nd live on ESPN in the US.

He’ll take on the tough and highly experienced Mexican Fernando Vargas.

Speaking on the news Garcia said:

“I’m excited to fight on ESPN in my first main event fight.”

His promoter Oscar De La Hoya said:

“Ryan is charismatic, has an incredible amateur pedigree and has one-punch knockout power. He is the real deal.”

The match will take place at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California, USA.

Garcia has built up a record to date of 13-0-12KO in the pro ranks.

His last fight came just before last Christmas in Canada when he stopped Noe Martinez Raygoza inside the distance in Laval.