Danny Garcia is not stopping at one comeback fight as the former world champion prepares to challenge Erislandy Lara on September 14.
‘Swift’ moves up in weight on the back of a single fight at 154 pounds, basically skipping a whole division despite a stop-start career over the past few years. Garcia hit the jackpot with an offer to fight on the Canelo vs Berlanga Pay Per View undercard and knows he has a tough test in front of him despite Lara’s advancing age.
Garcia will pull on all his championship round experience to capture the middleweight title next month.
“We’re doing everything we need to get that victory and become a three-division world champion. It’s right here now. We’re only about three weeks away,” Garcia said.
“Lara is definitely very skilled, but I’ve faced so many highly-skilled fighters throughout my career, from Zab Judah and Amir Khan to Keith Thurman and so many more. I feel like I’ve always done a solid job with southpaws as well. You have to look at it the other way because I’m the best fighter he’s fought in a long time.
“Lara is definitely a tricky fighter; he’s one of the best boxers you can get in the ring skill-wise. I know I have my work cut out for me, but we have the right game plan. We are going to go in there and execute. I’ve never faced a Cuban boxer in my career, but I’ve been fighting Philly fighters my whole life, and that’s as slick as it gets. So I’ve been really facing guys like Lara since I was a kid.
“I was the underdog fighting Amir Khan and Lucas Matthysse, so it’s nothing new to me. I fight the best because I believe I can beat them, and that’s why I’m here today.”
On what fans will see when Garcia blows up to an agreed 157 pounds, the Philadelphia native replied, “You can expect the same Danny Garcia as always on September 14. I’ve been feeling good sparring and training. I really feel like nothing has changed. If anything, I feel like the time out of the ring has helped my body recover. I have no injuries, my mind feels good, and my body feels good.”
Garcia was asked what could follow Lara and if he plans to retire. He denied this was the case.
“I’m only focused on Lara, but after this fight, I’ll look to do whatever makes the most sense. Obviously, I want the biggest names like Terence Crawford, Sebastian Fundora, Carlos Adames, or any of the top guys.
“I’m also interested in avenging my losses, so the Errol Spence Jr. or Keith Thurman fights would definitely be something I pursue.”
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
