This month's cover is WBC Interim Lightweight, Ryan Garcia who has held the WBC interim lightweight title. WIth a record of 21-0 and 18 KOs, he is known as having one of the fastest hands in the sport. In addition to making waves in the sport, he shares how he has navigated boxing from training, meeting fans, being signed to Oscar de la Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions, his appearance on Celebrity Family Feud and taking them with him to his fights via his social media. His passion and love for the sport also allows him to diversify his brand between his sponsorships with Gatorade, 1800 Cristalino and Gymshark to name a few. We talk about how he got into the sport, his career and being the Co-Owner and Chief MARLOWE. officer.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you start boxing and fall in love with the sport?

RYAN GARCIA: I started boxing at seven years old. I fell in love with it because I was shy as a kid. Boxing gave me confidence inside and outside of the ring.

AM: When did you realize that you wanted to go pro?

RG: I got to the point my life where I had to decide either go for it all or give up on my dreams and I decided to pursue my dreams. It was right around when I turn 17.

AM: You fight in the interim lightweight class, are 21-0 with 18 being by knock out, you’ve held the WBC interim lightweight championship title and are signed with Golden Boy Promotions. What are you looking forward to for upcoming fights?

RG: I’m looking forward to the big fights against top competitors. I’m looking forward to showcasing that I am the best fighter in the world of my division.

AM: You’re trained by Eddy Reynoso. What is a typical day like for you in terms of training and staying ready for your next match – can you walk us through what training with him is like and what you do?

RG: We stay in shape by going on morning runs, eating healthy, sparring, strength and conditioning, and reviewing fight tapes.

AM: Is there a difference between your working out/training when there isn’t a fight coming up versus when you’re in preparation for an upcoming one?

RG: Big-time when I’m not training for fight my workouts are much lighter and I like to do things that are fun for me like playing video games or playing poker. When I’m getting ready for a fight it’s completely different. It’s like a switch is turned on and I’m completely focused and locked in. I don’t know anything else that’s going on it’s just tunnel vision and I’m super hyper focused on that fight.

AM: For those who want to workout like a boxer, what workouts do you do that we should incorporate into our daily/weekly routines?

RG: I think that the cardio element in boxing is super important for people; things like hitting the Mitts or hitting the Fierce reflex bag would be great for non-boxers to do to get in shape because it will really tone up your arms and help your cardio.

AM: Nutrition is essential to optimize what you do in the ring. What do you eat when you’re in training mode and what foods do you like to splurge on to treat yourself?

RG: In the past I did not optimize my nutrition but now I really understand the importance of eating right. I work with my chef to make sure that I’m eating the right foods especially during training things; like lean proteins fish chicken etc., rice, and vegetables are typically staples. Ultimately it’s about finding what works for your body and sometimes that means not eating. I found that when I skip breakfast in the mornings I tend to work out better.

I would say my one guilty pleasure is McDonald’s. Two cheeseburgers with a large fries and a large soda.

AM: After a fight, what do you to unwind?

RG: I’ll have a couple shots to celebrate with 1800 Cristalino tequila and then right after look to take my family on a nice little vacation where we can all relax and unwind.

AM: Who are 3 people that have been mentors to you in the sport?

RG: Manny Pacquiao and Canelo have been mentors that I look up to within the sport. There are also boxers who I like to watch like Roy Jones Junior, Floyd Mayweather, Joe Louis and Sugar Ray Robinson.

AM: You have a large and engaged digital footprint, how important is using social media in terms of reaching out to your fans and letting people know about you inside and outside of the ring?

RG: I think it’s very important. Social media allows me to connect more intimately with my fans. Because of Covid, I haven’t been able to see a lot of my fans in person or do meet and greets so this really helps us to keep connected and engaged with one another. I love my fans. I want to stay connected with them and keep them updated and this is the best way to do it.

AM: You are the co-owner of MARLOWE. Can you tell us about the brand and what your role of Chief MARLOWE. Officer entails?

RG: MARLOWE. provides men with high quality, easy-to-use, perfectly formulated skin care and grooming products without all the fuss and high price tags. We believe that life is complicated enough, looking good and feeling amazing shouldn’t have to be. As the Chief MARLOWE. Officer, I am excited to be the face of the brand and to help spearhead the digital marketing content strategy along with my content partners Liquid Light. I have been very involved in the entire process from the second I came onto the brand. Everything you see on the packaging for my signature SKU's is all me -- from the exact gold color we used, the thickness of the carton and the overall design. I have so many creative ideas - this partnership was beyond a great fit.

AM: How important is your skincare routine to you?

RG: I have always had an up and down relationship with my skin. During training, I get right into it at the gym with hours of sweating - it can take a toll on my skin causing some breakouts. Also, during training I am constantly taking multiple showers a day, burning through so much product.

When I first discovered MARLOWE., I was so impressed by the effectiveness of each product and the affordability. I wanted to make sure the product was affordable to my fans and following so they could enjoy the products just as much as I do.

AM: Why did you want to be involved with this brand and what can we expect to see from you and the brand as we go into the holiday season and into 2022?

RG: The quality of MARLOWE. products is what attracted me to the brand right away. The No. 102 Body Scrub Soap Bar was by far the greatest soap I’ve ever used and it's a true experience. I found that to be true with almost all of their products. The No. 102 bar is the only soap tough enough to get me clean after a hard training session! I liked them so much I knew I had to be a part of the brand in a bigger way as co-owner & now Chief MARLOWE. Officer. We have a lot in store coming down the pipeline - stay tuned for some greatness. As for Holiday, we have some cool virtual bundles launching on marloweskin.com in December including all my faves in one exclusive bundle! This is perfect for those who want to give a gift with 1 click - perfect for any guy on your list.

AM: What are your 3 go-to products that you enjoy using from MARLOWE. that we should think about using?

RG: By far, my favorite product is the No. 102 Body Scrub Bar. It is a true experience and has become my solution for getting clean after training and working out super hard. I also love using the No. 171 Classic Pomade for my hair and the No. 002 Extra Moisturizing Body Lotion for my dry skin. I am taking so many showers after working out multiple times a day while I train and it can take a toll on my skin. The 002 lotion gives me the replenished hydration I need.

AM: From a fashion perspective, how would you define your personal style?

RG: I like to stay classy and gentlemen like it’s important to add a little nuance to your style and some uniqueness that’s you. So I like to stay classy but for me add a little edge, maybe wear an oversized T-shirt, or add a little bit of jewelry that really pops.

AM: When you’re not in the ring or working on other projects, how do you take time for yourself?

RG: I’ll take the time to study other things that interest me, things that I’m passionate about, because ultimately that’s what keeps the fire going. Whether it’s a business passion like MARLOWE., or learning about Poker strategy, or playing tennis.

IG @KingRyan