Bernie Wilson
Updated on: October 11, 2024 1:49 pm GMT
In a surprising turn of events, two-division world champion Danny Garcia is set to challenge WBA middleweight champion Erislandy Lara at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas this Saturday. At 36 years old and coming off a lengthy 27-month layoff, Garcia (37-3, 21 KOs) aims to secure his place in boxing history by becoming a three-division champion, a feat that only a select few have achieved.
Garcia’s Comeback After a Hiatus
Danny Garcia returns to the ring after last fighting in July 2022, where he earned a victory over Jose Benavidez Jr. in his junior middleweight debut. His upcoming match against Lara marks another co-headlining opportunity on a card featuring high-profile names, including Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. This fight will be contested at a catchweight of 157 pounds, and Garcia has openly expressed his excitement about getting back into the ring.
“I’m happy to be back and blessed to be here. This event is as big as it gets,” Garcia stated in an interview with BoxingScene, emphasizing the significance of the opportunity. Garcia has faced many top fighters throughout his career, including Lucas Matthysse, Erik Morales, and Shawn Porter. He remains determined to prove himself against Lara, whom he identifies as one of the smarter opponents he has faced.
Erislandy Lara: A Stalwart at Middleweight
Erislandy Lara, the current WBA middleweight champion with a record of 30-3-3, stands as a formidable challenge for Garcia. At 41 years old, Lara brings a wealth of experience to the ring, having faced a variety of opponents at different levels. Despite his age, he has maintained a competitive edge, primarily by securing victories over less prominent fighters.
“Danny is a great fighter and a champion at lower weight classes, but middleweight is a different beast,” Lara remarked during the final press conference. His assessment indicates an awareness of the challenges Garcia may face transitioning into the middleweight division. Lara’s statement also highlights the expectations surrounding their matchup, with both fighters recognizing the high stakes involved.
Strategic Preparations Ahead of the Fight
Both fighters have shared insights into their training and preparations leading up to the match. Garcia has acknowledged the differences in sparring against larger opponents, remarking, “I actually feel a lot faster than them. They are physically stronger when you hit them.” As Garcia readies himself for this bout, his strategy revolves around adaptability and maintaining composure, essential attributes when facing a tactically astute fighter like Lara.
Moreover, Garcia’s desire to outbox Lara serves as a testament to his competitive mindset. “I would love to outbox the boxer, but if it turns into a fight, we are ready to fight,” he asserted. This capability to switch tactics as needed could be crucial for Garcia, given Lara’s style and experience.
The Bigger Picture: Legacy and Future Fights
The matchup against Lara not only presents a title opportunity for Garcia but also poses questions about the future of his career. Despite this fight taking place at 160 pounds, Garcia has already expressed interest in returning to the junior middleweight division, where he sees more potential high-profile matchups against fighters like Terence Crawford and Jermell Charlo.
Garcia’s aspirations for greatness extend beyond this particular bout. He indicated that success against Lara could solidify his legacy in the sport. “I feel like I’m already a Hall of Famer, but I think winning this belt is the icing on the cake. Winning in three divisions is about legacy, not many fighters do that,” he stated fervently.
Garcia’s Personal Journey and Mental Health
Following his victory against Benavidez, Garcia opened up about mental health struggles, an issue that has become increasingly prevalent in sports. The fighter has taken proactive steps in his professional life, launching his own promotional company, Swift Promotions. This move reflects his desire to take control of more aspects of his career while uplifting others in the boxing community.
Garcia’s approach to his training and career highlights a contemplative aspect of his persona as he navigates the final chapters of his boxing journey. He emphasized living in the moment and focusing on one fight at a time, saying, “You can’t fight forever, but right now I love it.”
Action-Packed Card at the T-Mobile Arena
The fight card also includes other notable matches, contributing to a highly anticipated night of boxing. Former super middleweight champion Caleb Plant is set to face undefeated contender Trevor McCumby, alongside a bout involving Rolando “Rolly” Romero against Manuel Jaimes. The excitement surrounding these fights elevates the event’s profile, creating a dynamic atmosphere in Las Vegas.
“As a fighter, being around such talent keeps us all sharp and focused,” Plant noted, setting the stage for not just his bout, but also the overall energy of the event. The influx of narratives surrounding these fighters adds layers to the occasion, showcasing the diverse aspirations existing within the sport.
The upcoming title match between Danny Garcia and Erislandy Lara is really important for both fighters. Garcia is looking to reach a big goal in his career, and he’s also dealing with the challenges of mental health and moving up to a heavier weight class. As boxing fans get ready for this exciting fight, it could be a key moment for both fighters and might change what happens in future matches in the sport.
