NBA legend Kobe Bryant receives powerful tribute from Ryan Garcia after stunning WBC welterweight championship win

NBA legend Kobe Bryant receives an unexpected gesture from the newly crowned WBC welterweight champion, Ryan Garcia. Garcia paid a powerful tribute to the NBA veteran, holding his belt the same way Kobe did after winning his second championship. It was in 2001, after the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Philadelphia 76ers. In June 2026, it will be 25 years since the iconic photograph of Kobe went viral.

Every now and then, Kobe receives tribute from athletes across different sports. The NBA legend has left behind an irreplaceable legacy that inspired not only young basketball players but also aspiring athletes from other sports categories as well. Ryan Garcia’s latest tribute is the best example of it. Garcia’s photograph went viral almost immediately.

WBC welterweight champion recreates Kobe Bryant’s iconic 2001 NBA Championship pose

On February 21, 2026, WBC got its new welterweight champion. Born in 1998, the 27-year-old athlete defeated Mario Barrios to win the championship. It was a unanimous decision. Garcia knocked down Barrios in just 23 seconds. Moments after the young boxer claimed the title, a photograph of him went viral, taking the internet by storm. Garcia decided to pay tribute to the NBA legend Kobe Bryant.


The boxer copied the basketball legend’s pose from the 2001 NBA championship. Kobe could be seen holding his trophy with one hand and his chin rested on the palms of his other hand. Garcia made a slight change to the pose as he held the belt on one of his shoulders and his other hand rested across his legs. The image went viral and comparisons started pouring in between the young athlete and the NBA legend.

What was the story behind Kobe Bryant’s iconic 2001 NBA championship picture?

It was Kobe Bryant’s second NBA championship. The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in Philly. After the win, Kobe was spotted sitting in the shower stall holding the trophy and crying. While everyone thought it was out of joy, the legend later revealed that it was about his father. Kobe had a falling out with his father, Joe Bryant, regarding the Lakers legend’s marriage to Vanessa. Kobe’s father apparently did not approve of Vanessa, who was a Latina. Joe was uncomfortable with Kobe’s devotion towards her, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. This was the reason why Kobe’s parents did not attend the NBA championship series even though it was held in Kobe’s hometown. This is actually the story behind Kobe’s iconic 2001 NBA championship picture.


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