Tag Archives: Danny Garcia

Posted on 03/29/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Whether it’s a brand new Philadelphia business owner sprouting their wings and attempting to make their mark, or a newly crowned world champion from the City of Brotherly Love, Danny Garcia beams with pride whenever he sees someone from his hometown doing well.

For nearly 15 years, Garcia has carried the mantle as one of the more successful fighters in recent memory that was born and bred in Philadelphia. With the 34-year-old continuing to support his own, he’s nearly moved to tears as he discusses Jaron Ennis.

The 24-year-old has recently made headlines as one of the brightest young stars in the sport of boxing. In 2021, Ennis took his game to another level. To kick off his memorable year, Ennis brutally knocked out former 140-pound titleholder turned 147-pound contender, Sergey Lipinets. Ennis easily outboxed his man before laying down the hammer in the sixth.

To piggyback off his performance, Ennis took care of business against Thomas Dulorme at the tail end of the year. Though normally durable, Dulorme was left shellshocked following his first-round stoppage defeat.

As Ennis continues his meteoritic rise, Garcia believes that sooner or later, Ennis will become the welterweight division’s top dog.

“Philly support Philly,” said Garcia during an interview with FightHub TV. “He’s a young, hungry, up-and-coming fighter. He’s almost there to become a champion. Like I told him, he’s going to build his own legacy, just like I built my own legacy. I feel like the welterweight division, in one or two more fights, is going to open up. I feel like he’s going to be the one to take over that division.”

With Garcia currently contemplating a move up in weight, the former two-division titlist is still pondering his next move. Of course, with a ten-year age gap between them, Garcia doesn’t view Ennis as his primary competition.

Ultimately, having fought some of the best fighters in the world for nearly a decade and a half, including Errol Spence Jr. in his most recent bout, Garcia is interested in adding more world titles to his championship mantle. In the case of Ennis, on the other hand, the 24-year-old switch-hitter has failed to fight for a world title as of yet. That notion, however, could soon change as he’s set to take on Custio Clayton in an IBF eliminator on May 14th.

In the end, while Garcia is proud of Ennis and wants to continue to see him do well, he’s well aware that the sport of boxing is an unpredictable one. Meaning, there’s a chance they could be forced to put their Philadelphia friendship aside and face one another in the ring.

“I mean it’s boxing, anything can happen so you can never say never. I earned my stripes in the game already. He’s going to build his legacy and I’m looking for bigger and better things.”

Posted on 01/31/2022

By: Hans Themistode

Keith Thurman has endured long stretches of inactivity as of late. Having fought just four times over the past seven years, Thurman will attempt to re-establish himself in the welterweight rankings when he returns this weekend against former 140 pound secondary titlist Mario Barrios.

For Thurman, it will be his first fight since a 2019 split decision defeat at the hands of Manny Pacquiao. As Thurman’s ring return draws near, many have wondered out loud just how much does the now 33-year-old have left in the tank? Amongst those who have openly questioned Thurman’s comeback, is former longtime rival, Danny Garcia.

“It’s been a long layoff,” said Garcia during a self-recorded video. “Can you still take a punch? Can you still motivate yourself to be great? But as far as his talent and his skill, he was number one at welterweight at one time. We’re talking about a guy who was the number one in the division.”

At Thurman’s peak, both he and Garcia engaged in a back and forth unification war in 2017. Though Thurman dominated early on, Garcia rallied back in the second half of their contest. Still, despite finishing strong, Garcia was handed the first defeat of his career via split decision.

While they may have squared off nearly five years ago, Garcia is unwilling to put their feud behind them. In fact, if given the chance, the former two-division titlist would jump at the opportunity to avenge his defeat.

“It was a close fight that I thought I won. We got a rivalry. I think Garcia and Thurman 2, that’s something the fans want to see.”

As for Garcia, the 33-year-old is currently in boxing purgatory. Since suffering defeat at the hands of Thurman, the Philadelphian has gone just 3-2 in his last five ring appearances. Most recently, Garcia suffered a one-sided unanimous decision defeat at the hands of Errol Spence Jr. in December of 2020.

Presently, Garcia is unsure of where he’ll compete next. Although he has campaigned at the welterweight division for over five years, he’s openly admitted to struggling to make the 147 pound weight limit.

A move up in weight for Garcia is something that he’s flirted with. Regardless of where he plants his flag next, Garcia is now turning his attention towards a rematch with Thurman in the second half of the year, provided, of course, both win their respective upcoming matches.

“I would like to get back in the ring, top of the year. We’re in the talks right now. Thurman gets his win, Danny gets his win, and let’s do it again. I think that’s one of the biggest fights that can be made in boxing this year.”

Posted on 01/14/2022

By: Hans Themistode

After a long and successful run in the welterweight division, Danny Garcia has grown sick and tired of squeezing his enormous frame down to the 147 pound limit. So, in an effort to extend his career and return to championship glory, Garcia is currently pondering a move up in weight.

Although the Philadelphian hasn’t officially made his decision as of yet, he has revealed that even a 147 pound showdown against pound-for-pound star Terence Crawford is unlikely to happen due to his ongoing weight issues.

With Garcia’s next destination likely at 154 pounds, the former two-division titlist has set his sights on a third world title reign. At the moment, both unified super welterweight champion Jermell Charlo and WBO titlist Brian Castano, are set to face off on March 19th with undisputed glory on the line. In the meanwhile, should Garcia make the trek seven pounds north, he could be in search of a dance partner.

As things currently stand, many of the top 154 pounders are currently occupied. However, former WBC champion Tony Harrison doesn’t appear to have anything lined up on his fight calendar. Should the two face off at some point this year, newly retired Shawn Porter is of the belief that his former rival can and will pick up the victory.

“I do believe that Danny Garcia is moving up to 154,” said Porter on his podcast The Porter Way Podcast Clips. “I do believe Danny will be back in the ring again this year. I think that he would win in a fight between him and Tony Harrison.”

Garcia, 33, has grown more and more inactive over the past few years. The former welterweight champion has also produced a mixed bag of results, going 3-3 in his last six ring appearances. Most recently, Garcia was thoroughly beaten by unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. in December of 2020.

Still, despite his recent form, Porter believes a move up in weight would benefit the Philadelphia slugger. Having beaten Garcia in a hard-fought 2018 welterweight showdown, Porter is fully aware of what he’s capable of.

In addition to Porter believing that Garcia’s overall skill set is amongst the elite, he senses that Harrison has fallen from his once lofty position at 154 pounds. Following consecutive bouts against Charlo, with the latter resulting in an 11th round stoppage defeat, along with Harrison’s lackluster showing against Bryant Perrella, Porter is giving Garcia the edge in their hypothetical showdown.

“I feel like he has declined since his second fight with the Charlo brother,” continued Porter. “He got a draw against a fighter that he’s not supposed to draw against you know.”

Posted on 01/05/2022

By: Hans Themistode

It simply wasn’t the night Maurice Hooker was hoping for.

With the 32-year-old looking to make a big splash during his welterweight debut, Hooker attempted to halt the hype train of rising contender Vergil Ortiz Jr. The two battled it out in front of a mostly pro-Ortiz crowd in Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas in 2021.

Despite Ortiz Jr. being known as a huge puncher, Hooker attempted to fight fire with fire, routinely meeting his younger and stronger opponent in the middle of the ring. Although he had his moments, Hooker would ultimately come up short, losing via seventh-round stoppage but citing a hand injury as the primary result.

Though he’s been spending his time sequestered on the sidelines, Hooker plans on not only returning to action soon but in a perfect world, he knows exactly whom he would face next.

“I would love to fight Danny Garcia but I think he’s about to move 154 now,” said Hooker during an interview with BoxingInsider.com. “If he stays at 147, I would love to make that happen. I would love to fight Danny Garcia. He’s a good fighter, he was one of the best at 140 and that’s a fight we can make happen.”

Garcia, a former two-division world champion, has remained out of the ring since losing a lopsided decision against unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. in December of 2020. Following his failed attempt at another world title, Garcia has heavily considered a move up in weight. With the Philadelphian unwilling to hang up his gloves before winning gold in a third weight class, a move to 154 pounds is in his immediate future.

If, however, Garcia were willing to put his plans on hold and remain in the welterweight division, Hooker is putting his name first in line if Garcia is in need of an opponent at 147 pounds.

Posted on 12/07/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Danny Garcia is still currently mulling over his options. After spending roughly five years in the welterweight division, the multiple-time titlist has admitted that squeezing his enormous frame down to the 147-pound limit has become more and more arduous.

Following a transient title reign that was truncated by Keith Thurman in 2017, Garcia has had his fair share of ups and downs. Throughout the entire 2021 calendar year, the Philadelphia native has remained on the sidelines. While the now 33-year-old is still adamant that retirement isn’t forthcoming, he does believe that his time at 147 pounds has likely come to an end.

With the two-division star on the verge of making the move to the junior middleweight division, he’s openly admitted to having no problem challenging some of the bigger names in his soon-to-be home. For years on end, however, former 154-pound titlist Erislandy Lara was considered the man to beat. And while he now campaigns at 160 pounds, if the Cuban native were willing to meet Garcia at a catchweight, he would have no problem squaring off against him.

“I would love to do that,” said Garcia to a group of reporters. “He’s at middleweight right? We could fight at 155. I’ll do that, fight him at 155. I think that’s a great fight for me.”

At the age of 38, Lara recently moved up in weight for the first time in his career. The Cuban star made a seamless transition, stopping journeymen Thomas Lamanna in the very first round of their contest in early May to claim the vacant WBA “Regular” middleweight title.

While Garcia wants to make it clear that he isn’t eschewing the competition, he’s spent well over a year out of the ring. The Philadelphian has remained on the sidelines since suffering a one-sided unanimous decision defeat at the hands of Errol Spence Jr. in December of 2020.

Although Garcia divulged that he isn’t quite ready to step through the ropes just yet, he has a strong indication as to when fans can expect to see him next.

“It gotta match you know. I can’t be physically in shape and mentally tired. So I’m just waiting until my body feels good but I should be back in the ring by the top of the year. I’m looking to come back to the ring, April or March.”

Posted on 11/29/2021

By: Hans Themistode

When Danny Garcia walks around his gargantuan palatial estate, it doesn’t take long before he comes across countless golden trinkets.

Though the Philadelphian has fond memories of his world title runs at both 140 and 147 pounds, the 33-year-old would feel somewhat unfulfilled if his career came to an abrupt end. Garcia’s peace of mind, would only come in the form of another title. This time, at 154 pounds.

As he continues to contemplate a move up in weight, Garcia is already of the belief that regardless of the world-class names that occupy the junior middleweight division, his skillset is a cut above them all.

“I feel like I’m better than everybody at 154,” said Garcia during a recent self-recorded video.

While Garcia has no intentions of tip-toeing around the 154-pound landscape, Erickson Lubin has become interested in testing Garcia’s theory sooner rather than later.

“Danny Garcia say he can beat all the 54 pounders,” said Lubin on his social media page. “I’d be more than happy to welcome him to the division.”

Lubin, 26, has successfully rebuilt his image over the past few years. Since suffering a first-round knockout loss at the hands of unified 154-pound titlist Jermell Charlo in 2017, Lubin has gone back to the drawing board.

As a result of his reset and step back, have been six consecutive victories. Most recently, the Florida native waged a six-round war against former champion Jeison Rosario. With both having their fair share of success, Lubin violently and suddenly stopped his man at the halfway point of their contest earlier this year.

As a direct result of his victory, Lubin now occupies the top spot in the WBC sanctioning body. In spite of his lofty standing, Lubin appears more than willing to risk his shot at a world title in order to get Garcia in the ring next.

Posted on 11/15/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Before Danny Garcia hangs up his boxing gloves for good, there’s one more thing he would like to achieve. With world titles in two separate weight classes, the Philadelphia native is extremely proud of what he’s accomplished. With that said, he believes there would be a gaping hole in his resume if his career came to a close sooner than expected.

“I wanna become a three-division world champion,” said Garcia during a self-recorded video. “That’s my dream.”

At the moment, Garcia is two-thirds of the way there. From 2012-2015, Garcia reigned over the 140-pound division as a world champion. After taking on all comers, Garcia would ditch his title in favor of moving up to the welterweight division. Once he landed in his new home, it wouldn’t take long before he was crowned as a world champion.

Following an eighth-round stoppage win over Paulie Malignaggi, Garcia outpointed Robert Guerrero to become a two division titlist. Since then, however, Garcia has seen the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. The Philadelphia star is just 3-3 in his past six fights. Most recently, he suffered the most lopsided loss of his career, a unanimous decision defeat at the hands of Errol Spence Jr. in December of 2020.

While the 33-year-old is on the cusp of making the move to the super welterweight division, he admits to hearing whispers from those who are advising otherwise. Regardless of those offering their opinions, Garcia believes that he must follow in the footsteps of the all-timers who came before him.

“Everybody saying don’t go up to 154 but you gotta understand, all the greats went up in weight.”

If Garcia makes the move seven pounds north, he’ll be met with a slew of top-level contenders and world champions. In spite of sharing a division with the likes of unified champion Jermell Charlo, WBO belt holder Brian Castano, and highly ranked contenders Erickson Lubin and Tim Tszyu, Garcia is unbelievably confident that he’ll accomplish his dream of becoming a three-division world champion.

“I would like to fight anybody at 154. I feel like I’m better than everybody at 154.”

Posted on 10/14/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Bernard Hopkins can’t help but gush over the skillset of Danny Garcia. The newly inducted Hall of Famer has sat back and watched for years as his fellow Philadelphian has gone on to pick up big wins and capture numerous world titles.

While Garcia remains one of the top names in the welterweight division, as of late, he’s fallen short in some of his biggest outings. Recently, Garcia attempted to end the title reign of current unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. The two clashed near Spence Jr.’s hometown in Arlington Texas, at the AT&T Stadium.

Although Garcia appeared confident, he fell woefully short, losing their contest via unanimous decision. Since then, the now 33-year-old has pondered a move up in weight. In the opinion of Hopkins, there should be nothing for Garcia to think about. Simply put, making the move to 154 pounds should be a no-brainer.

“I believe he grew out of that weight really a year, year and a half ago,” said Hopkins during an interview on Million Dollaz Worth of Game. “But he got down there because he’s disciplined and determined. I think 154 is gonna be a blessing for him. He can eat now, he can eat. His body ain’t in a bottle anymore.”

Throughout Garcia’s career, he’s yet to struggle with making weight. However, he has noted on several occasions that making 147 pounds has become more and more arduous. With the former two-division titlist now leaning towards moving on from the welterweight division, his plans are to take things slow.

“I want to get my feet wet first,” said Garcia during a recent interview. “I would like to fight somebody at 154 and get my feet wet.”

Garcia’s gradual initiation process into his new weight class though, is something that Hopkins believes is unnecessary. In fact, not only is Hopkins against Garcia having a few feel-out fights at 154 pounds, he would love to see him compete for a world title in his first fight seven pounds north.

“I would like to see Danny Garcia get a shot at a different weight class against the champion in that division,” said Hopkins, as he refers to Garcia facing off against Brian Castano. “Not a tune-up, I would like to see him go right to that division and get a champ.”

Argentina’s Castano was last seen in the ring earlier this year on July 17th, against unified champion Jermell Charlo. Although the consensus surrounding their showdown was that Castano did more than enough to earn the victory, Castano was forced to settle for a split decision draw.

Even with many in boxing circles believing that Castano is the man to beat in the division, Hopkins doesn’t want Garcia to eschew from that sort of fight.

“I would like to see him fight that type of fight right away. Go right to the dance, right to it. I believe he’ll be successful at that weight class.”

Posted on 09/04/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Thomas Dulorme has built his career on facing the toughest opponents out there. Fresh off the heels of back-to-back grueling losses at the hands of Jamal James and Eimantas Stanionis, Dulorme (25-5-1, 16 KOs) has reportedly signed up to take on another highly ranked contender in the welterweight division, in Jaron Ennis. Both sides have signed their contractual agreements and will face off in a yet to be named location, sometime this fall.

Although Dulorme already has his next opponent lined up, the 31-year-old Puerto Rican native was eyeing a showdown against former two-division world champion, Danny Garcia.

“This is a great fight for the fans and for the people,” said Dulorme during an interview with Boxing Social.

While Dulorme has expressed an interest in facing the Philadelphia product, a matchup between the pair appears unlikely. Not only does Dulorme have to deal with the highly talented Ennis in a showdown where he is currently a substantial underdog but Garcia appears to be heading towards a different career path.

In December of 2020, Garcia took on unified 147-pound titlist, Errol Spence Jr. Although Garcia claimed that he would hand Spence Jr. the first defeat of his career, the 33-year-old struggled mightily with the size, pressure, and overall boxing ability of the unified champion and was handed a one-sided decision loss.

Since then, Garcia has stated on numerous occasions that a move up in weight could be next on his agenda. After picking up world titles at both 140 and 147 pounds, Garcia has long wanted to accomplish a personal goal of being crowned a champion in three separate weight divisions.

But while Garcia is attempting to bulk up to make the transition to the 154-pound weight class a seamless one, Dulorme believes that if Garcia has a change of heart and decides to stick around a bit longer, a matchup between them would ultimately produce fireworks. But, it’s also one that would see Garcia hit the canvas.

“I can knock Danny out. I’m too strong for Danny.”

Posted on 08/13/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Ever since Danny Garcia declared that he planned on dipping his toes in the 154-pound waters, the Philadelphia native has gotten his fair share of interested opponents. After unified champion Jermell Charlo claimed that he would be willing to take him on, so too has WBO titlist, Brian Castano.

“He’s a strong guy,” said Castano when asked if he would face Garcia during an interview with EsNews. “He’s a very, very good fighter. I’ll fight anybody, anytime.”

Garcia, 33, recently came up short in his latest bid to recapture a world title in December of 2020. After reeling off two straight victories, Garcia (36-3, 21 KOs) challenged unbeaten unified welterweight champion, Errol Spence Jr. While he was confident in his ability to pick up the victory, Garcia was thoroughly outboxed and outworked over the course of 12 rounds.

Since then, Garcia has claimed that he is most likely done with the 147-pound division, unless, a big fight came in his direction. Ultimately, Garcia dreams of becoming a three-division world champion.

Although Castano (17-0-2, 12 KOs) is willing to give Garcia an immediate title shot, the Argentinian would much rather face Charlo again. The two squared off just a few weeks ago at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. With Castano hoping to become the first undisputed world champion at 154 pounds since Winky Wright nearly two decades ago, he was forced to settle for a highly controversial draw.

If, for some reason, Castano was presented the opportunity to face Garcia, the 31-year-old wouldn’t hesitate. But for now, his preference is to face Charlo.

“I’m waiting for the rematch. It was a great fight for the fans.”

Posted on 08/09/2021

By: Hans Themistode

During the final few days before his showdown against Danny Garcia, Errol Spence Jr. regurgitated repeatedly that he was just fine. Having watched the Dallas native being flung from his sports car in October of 2019 during a horrific car wreck, the 31-year-old took his time in the recovery room.

In total, Spence Jr. spent over a year on the sidelines as he worked with trainer Derrick James on his timing, conditioning, mindset, and overall health. But while Spence Jr. would continue to tell reporters that he felt like his old self, behind the scenes, he was far from okay.

“I wasn’t right,” said Spence Jr. during an interview with Barbershop Conversations. “I wasn’t right at all. I can write a book about my whole training camp and stuff that was happening and going on. It was a lot of stuff. I just knew that he was going to have to be in a real dog fight to beat me.”

The dog fight that Spence Jr. was ultimately looking for, however, never took place as Garcia stood patiently on the outside and seldom threw combinations at the unified titlist. In the end, the Philadelphian suffered a one-sided decision loss.

In regards to his performance, Spence Jr. appeared proud to snag the victory. But all in all, he was expecting much more from the former two-division titlist.

“I knew I could outbox him easily. I thought he was going to throw punches, and come at me and have a lot of enthusiasm.”

With his matchup against Garcia in the rearview mirror, Spence Jr. is currently looking ahead. At the moment, the Dallas product is putting the finishing touches on an arduous training camp as he prepares to take on former eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao. The two are slated to face off at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 21st.

As the day’s inch closer and closer, the issues that plagued Spence Jr. for his camp against Garcia are now a distant memory. With the biggest fight of his career rapidly approaching, Spence Jr. is confident that he’ll ultimately inflict the sort of damage that will see Pacquiao exit the sport of boxing for good.

“Now, I’m feeling strong as heck. I wanted to be as strong as I can to knock out Manny Pacquiao and send him off into retirement.”

Posted on 07/26/2021

By: Hans Themistode

It’s been several years since Danny Garcia was able to look in the mirror and call himself a world champion.

The former two-division belt holder had his championship status forcefully stripped away from him in March of 2017 against Keith Thurman. The two clashed in a welterweight unification bout, which saw Garcia pick up the first loss of his career. Since then, the Philadelphia native has attempted on two occasions to strap world titles around his now bare waist.

In September of 2018, Garcia came up just short against Shawn Porter for the vacant 147 pound WBC title. He dusted himself off and picked up two straight wins before suffering another defeat on the world title stage. This time, against unified champion Errol Spence Jr. in December of 2020.

Despite his recent shortcomings, Angel Garcia, father and trainer of Danny, is still dripping with confidence that his son will lace his shoulders with gold once again. In fact, he’s even gone as far as to give a time frame on when he expects it to happen.

“Listen, Danny will be champion by the end of this year or beginning of next year,” said Angel during a self-recorded video.

Since suffering his recent defeat at the hands of Spence Jr., Garcia has contemplated a move up in weight. With world title reigns at 140 and 147 pounds, the Philadelphia slugger believes that his boxing career would be somewhat incomplete if he didn’t secure one more championship in what would be his third weight division.

“I really want to go to 154, I really do,” said Garcia during an interview with FightHype.com. “My dream was always to be a three-division champion. I feel like that’s the next chapter in my career but I’m not saying I won’t fight at 147 again.”

While Angel Garcia has assured the boxing world that his son will pick up another world title at either the end of this year or early next year, it’s unclear if he’ll attempt to do so at 154 or 147 pounds.

Currently, the 33-year-old former two-division champion has been seen back in training as he prepares to make his return to the ring.

Posted on 07/07/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Jermell Charlo is only a few days away from attempting a lifelong dream. The unified 154-pound titlist is set to take on WBO belt holder, Brian Castano on July 17th at the Alamodome in San Antonio Texas. If Charlo were to win, he would become the first undisputed world champion at 154 pounds since Winky Wright in 2004.

With the final piece of the 154-pound puzzle so painstakingly close, Charlo is placing all of his attention on the Argentinian native. With that said, he can’t help but notice the news waves former two-division champion Danny Garcia has been making as of late.

After campaigning at 147 pounds for the past six years, Garcia recently revealed that he plans on moving up in weight. Before the Philadelphia native hangs up his gloves, he has one more goal he wants to accomplish, becoming a three-division world champion. Upon hearing the news that Garcia intends on moving up to his weight class, Charlo has decided to be his chauffeur so to speak, and give him a tour of the junior middleweight division.

“If Danny Garcia wanna taste that water, it’s deep over here in this ocean,” said Charlo during a self-recorded video. “Let him come and see what this action about.”

Garcia, 33, had a mixed bag of results at 147. Before he made the trek seven pounds north, Garcia dominated the opposition at 140 pounds. During his run, he scored decisive wins against former champions such as Zab Judah, Amir Khan and Erik Morales. While he ultimately picked up a world title in his second weight division, he fell short in his biggest matches at the weight against Shawn Porter, Keith Thurman and Errol Spence Jr.

Garcia’s losses to both Porter and Thurman were extremely competitive. But in the case of Spence Jr., he was thoroughly outclassed. On that night, in particular, Charlo sat ringside to watch the two square off. Not only was the unified titlist there to witness a good fight but more than anything, he was there in full support of Spence Jr. who is Charlo’s close friend and stablemate.

Still, the Philadelphia slugger has been seen on social media, hard at work as he’s bulked up noticeably in an effort to make his transition to 154 that much easier.

Unfortunately for Garcia though, Charlo believes that it doesn’t matter how much time he spends in the gym. Should the two cross paths in the ring, it’ll be one-way traffic.

“He was a lot slower at 147 fighting Errol Spence. He wanna gain some weight and try to put on some power but it ain’t gonna help. It’s different over here.”

Posted on 07/05/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Kevin Cunningham, head trainer of 154-pound contender Erickson Lubin, has successfully helped his young fighter pick up the pieces of his shattered career. After suffering a shocking first round, one-punch knockout loss at the hands of Jermell Charlo in October of 2017, Lubin has gone on to win six straight.

His most recent ring appearance though, may have produced his most impressive performance yet. Just a few weeks ago, Lubin took on former unified champion, Jeison Rosario. Despite being shaken by a right hand in the fourth round, Lubin shrugged off those difficult moments and went on to stop his man in the sixth.

Considering that the Florida native was already made the mandatory challenger to Charlo’s WBC title, Cunningham believes that his fighter deserves credit for continuing to take tough assignment after tough assignment. As for what could be next, outside of a title shot, the long-time trainer doesn’t want to see any fight offers come across his desk unless there’s a big name associated with it.

“I think Hammer made a huge statement,” said Cunningham during an interview with Boxingscene.com. “He’s cut from the throwback fighter’s cloth. Most guys that are sitting in the #1 mandatory spot would look for a soft touch until they get the title shot. Hammer’s only interested in fighting the best in the division. So while he’s waiting for his shot, he’s willing to fight the other top names in the division.”

Speaking of top names in the division, Danny Garcia, a former unified champion at 140 pounds and a one-time belt holder at 147, is ready to move up in an attempt to be considered an elite 154-pounder.

“I really want to go to 154 pounds,” said Garcia during a recent interview with FightHype.com. “I really do.”

If the decision was solely up to Cunningham, he would much rather Lubin take on the winner of the undisputed showdown between Charlo and Brian Castaño on July 17th. Believing that his man has done everything necessary to warrant a title shot in his next bout, Cunningham desperately wants Lubin to get another crack at a world title.

But, as is the case at times in boxing, mandated title challengers are made to wait far longer than they would like. If the same fate awaits Lubin, Cunningham would have no problem preparing his man to take on a decorated fighter who is looking to make a mark in his new division.

“We only want a marquee fight next. If for some reason we can’t get the Charlo-Castaño winner, we would be willing to oblige Danny Garcia and welcome him to the 154-pound division.”

Posted on 06/29/2021

By: Hans Themistode

At the age of 33, Danny Garcia has had a long and successful career. At one point, he ruled over the 140-pound division, knocking off top names such as Amir Khan, Zab Judah and Lucas Matthysse. He then moved on to the welterweight division where he captured a world title against former belt holder Robert Guerrero.

Now, after facing the biggest names in both weight classes, Garcia is ready to move onto the next chapter in his career.

“I really want to go to 154, I really do,” said Garcia during an interview with FightHype.com. “My dream was always to be a three division champion. I feel like that’s the next chapter in my career but I’m not saying I won’t fight at 147 again.”

While Garcia doesn’t appear to be the biggest welterweight, he has routinely admitted that making the 147-pound weight limit is becoming increasingly more difficult. Still, the Philadelphia native is more than willing to drain his body down one more time if the right fight contract came across his desk.

“Mikey Garcia, that’s a big fight for me,” said Garcia when asked who he would be willing to stay at 147 to fight. “A rematch with Thurman, that’s a big fight for me.”

For Garcia, he shares a past with both men. In March of 2017, Thurman handed Garcia the first loss of his professional career. As for Mikey, the two have long been rumored to step into the ring with one another, however, nothing has ever materialized.

If Garcia is unable to attract any of those names at 147 pounds, a move seven pounds north will be in his immediate future. As previously mentioned by Garcia, long before he turned pro and became one of the biggest names in the sport, the Philadelphia product dreamed of hoisting world titles in three separate divisions.

So far, Garcia has scratched two off his list. In order to place the final checkmark on his boxing bucket list, in all likelihood, Garcia would have to face current unified 154-pound champion, Jermell Charlo. The Houston native is currently in the midst of training camp as he prepares to take on WBO belt holder Brian Castano, with a chance to become the first undisputed champion at 154 pounds since Winky in 2004.

At the moment, Charlo is favored to walk away with the win. If he does, in fact, leave the ring with all four world titles wrapped around his waist on July 17th, Garcia says he wants in on the action.

“He’s a big guy but I want to get my feet wet first. I would like to fight somebody at 154, get my feet wet and then if they offer me that fight, I’ll take it. I’ll fight him. Boxing is about fighting the best and daring to be great.”