Ryan Garcia Says Manny Pacquiao Fight Won't Be Exhibition: 'This Is the Truth'

Interim WBC lightweight champion Ryan Garcia is trying to clear up some of the speculation around his upcoming bout against Manny Pacquiao. 

In a video post on his Instagram story, Garcia said his fight with Pacquiao "will be a real fight" and they are "shooting for 12 rounds...our records on the line. 

He also captioned the video, "Regardless of what you hear, this is the truth."

On Monday, Garcia posted a picture on Instagram seemingly confirming that he will be fighting Pacquiao. 

"A dream turned reality," Garcia wrote in the caption. "It's an honor to share the Ring with [Manny Pacquiao]. I will always respect what you did in and out the ring. Here's to the best Man Winning."

The post included no other details, including a potential date and what rules the fight would be contested under. 

Speaking to ESPN.com, Garcia said it doesn't matter if they call it "an exhibition or a real certified match, I'm throwing punches like I'm trying to knock Manny Pacquiao out." He added that the weight class is still being worked out, but "whatever Manny wants for the weight to be at, I can do it."

Per Kevin Iole of Yahoo Sports, Garcia and Pacquiao are working toward fighting at the 147-pound welterweight limit. Garcia has never fought above lightweight (135 pounds) in his career. 

Pacquiao, 42, hasn't fought since defeating Keith Thurman by split decision in July 2019 to win the WBA (super) welterweight title.

Garcia defeated Luke Campbell via seventh-round TKO on Jan. 2 to capture the WBC interim lightweight title. The Flash is a perfect 21-0 in his career, with 18 victories coming by knockout or TKO.