Tag Archives: mikey garcia

Posted on 09/29/2020

By: Hans Themistode

Early last week, UFC star Conor McGregor made serious headlines when he announced that he would be taking on WBA welterweight titlist Manny Pacquiao in his next ring contest.

McGregor, 32, hasn’t laced up a pair of gloves since his 10th round stoppage loss to Floyd Mayweather in 2017. Despite his hiatus from the ring and his lack of success in the UFC’s octagon, losing via rear naked choke to Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2018 and winning by knockout against the long faded Donald Cerrone in 2020, he now finds himself on the verge of facing the only eight division world champion that boxing has ever seen in Pacquiao.

“I’m boxing Manny Pacquiao next in the Middle East,” said McGregor on his social media account. “It will be a true honour to have faced two of the greatest boxers of the modern era.”

Pacquiao on the other hand, has been dead silent. But with his special assistant in Jayke Joson jumping up to confirm McGregor’s announcement, there could be some validity behind it.

“For the sake of all the Filipino COVID-19 victims, Senator Manny Pacquiao will be fighting UFC superstar Conor McGregor next year,” said Pacquiao’s special assistant Jayke Joson. “The huge portion of his earnings will proceed to those who are affected nationwide by the pandemic.”

While fans of McGregor are jumping for joy over the news, one man who isn’t amused is Mikey Garcia. The former four division world champion has been chasing a fight with Pacquiao for years. Following a one sided win in his last contest against former two division belt holder in Jessie Vargas, Garcia found himself in the driver seat of a Pacquiao clash and he isn’t about to let someone from an entirely different sport skip the line.

“McGregor has to take a number. Manny Pacquiao’s next fight is with me, 100%.”

At the moment, the sports landscape is difficult to predict. With fighters becoming less active due to COVID-19, it’s almost impossible to pencil in a date for anyone. Ironically enough, Garcia couldn’t lock in a date for his Pacquiao clash either. But he did give a rough guess as to when fans can expect it to go down.

“I think it will be sometime in 2021.”

Posted on 07/09/2020

By: Hans Themistode

Even at the age of 41, Manny Pacquiao is considered one of the most difficult fighters to overcome inside of the ring. The eight division world champion and current WBA titlist not only represents a tough out inside the squared circle but he is also viewed as a golden ticket. 

Matching up with Pacquiao not only allows his opponents to bring in career high paydays, but pulling off a win against him can send the stock of his opposition through the roof.

For former four division world champion Mikey Garcia, he seemingly punched his ticket to face Pacquiao with a win over two division titlist Jessie Vargas. Through no fault of his own however, his ticket may now be expired.

“We don’t know yet,” said Garcia in an interview with FightHype. “We were talking to team Pacquiao earlier in the year before my fight with Jessie. They were excited to possibly get a fight with me, but this whole COVID situation came and slowed things down. We don’t know if that’s still going to be the plan for Manny. I mean he still has a lot of options.”

Amongst those options for Pacquiao is former two division world titlist Danny Garcia and current welterweight champions Errol Spence Jr and Terence Crawford. Regardless of where Mikey Garcia ranks on the list of Pacquiao’s desired next opponent, he believes that he brings the sort of style to the table that would make for a great matchup.

“I think it would be a terrific fight,” said Garcia. “Styles make fights and I think it would be great. I hope we can clear this whole thing soon and everybody gets healthy. Hopefully they can develop some sort of vaccine. When that happens the first thing we are going to do is push for a Manny fight.”

While there is no guarantee that Garcia will receive the Pacquiao phone call, that has not stopped him from doing his homework against the boxing legend. With 25 years of tape to watch against his possible next opponent, Garcia believes he knows exactly what he should and shouldn’t do against Pacquiao should they meet in the ring.

“I feel that I would be able to box and counterpunch. If I stayed in the pocket and traded punches, then I think that would be a mistake. I gotta be able to move, dodge punches and punch in combinations. Similar to the way Juan Manuel Marquez fought him.”

“If I stayed and tried to trade punches with him then I think he would overwhelm me. He punches in five, six, seven combinations and moves around with different angles so I’m not going to do that. I would try to box effectively on the outside and counterpunch with combinations. I think that is the key to a fight with Manny.”

Posted on 05/01/2020

By: Hans Themistode

COVID-19, has prevented any fights from taking place inside of the boxing ring, but that doesn’t mean fantasy matchups can’t be thought of. Muhammad Ali vs Mike Tyson are hot button topics. But there’s a new debate currently taking place that has the sports world talking.

Floyd Mayweather Jr doesn’t know how to lose. He spent nearly 25 years as a pro and knocked off 50 attempts to sully his record. Simply put, losing isn’t in his blood. However, if Errol Spence Jr was given the chance to be opponent number 51, things would be much different.

“One hundred percent focus in my prime, I think I’d beat Floyd,” Spence told All The Smoke’s Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson on the Showtime Sports YouTube channel. “… I’d just try to break him down physically. I know he’s not going to be broken down mentally. He’s just one of those type fighters, just like Shawn Porter. You can break him down physically, but mentally, he’s always going to be there.”

From the moment those words were uttered, the critics have come from every angle backing Mayweather in a hypothetical matchup. But one voice that stood out from the crowd was former Spence opponent, Mikey Garcia. 

“I’m sure he feels like that, and every fighter should feel like he’s the best,” said Mikey Garcia to Fighthype. 

“It would be a very good fight, and I’m sure Errol would put on a hell of a fight, but I still feel that Floyd would probably win. I think Floyd is the best I’ve seen.”

Garcia knows first hand exactly how great of a fighter Spence is. When the two met in March of 2019, Spence cruised to a unanimous decision victory. Winning every single round on the judges scorecards. But even with the lopsided loss, Garcia doesn’t view Spence as someone in Mayweather’s class. 

Interestingly enough, Spence made sure to preference his comments by mentioning prime for prime, he would beat Mayweather. 

But Garcia doesn’t need to see that hypothetical matchup. A 43 year old Mayweather as opposed to the 23 year old version will be more than enough to get the job done today.

“You can’t go into a fight thinking your opponent is going to beat you. Being realistic, I doubt that. I think Floyd is the best and will always be among the greatest. I think he’s the best at this time. Even if they fight right now, I think Floyd still beats him.”

Posted on 04/12/2020

By: Hans Themistode

When four division world champion Mikey Garcia decided to move up two weight classes to take on Errol Spence Jr for his IBF Welterweight title in 2019, no one could believe it. Garcia has always been viewed as a great fighter but there are weight classes for a reason. So when Spence won every single round against Garcia, most of the boxing world laughed. 

Fast forward one year later and no one is laughing anymore. 

Garcia looked much better in his second go round at the 147 pound limit against former two division champion Jessie Vargas. Garcia dropped him in the fifth and cruised to a unanimous decision victory. 

Now, after a solid win under his belt, Garcia has his eyes set on arguably the biggest name in the division.

“I would love that opportunity to fight Manny,” Garcia told promoter Eddie Hearn in an Instagram Live interview. “I think styles, you know, make fights. And he’s not this tall, lanky fighter that can complicate things like Errol Spence did. Errol Spence is a tall fighter who uses the reach very effectively and height. And, you know, he’s a southpaw, which always complicates things.”

“Manny’s still a southpaw, but he’s a lot smaller in size. So, he’s shorter in height, doesn’t have the reach like some of these other welterweights. So, I think that fits much better to get an entertaining fight with me. I think it just fits right.”

In his past three fights Garcia has given up a ton of size. First he was at a five inch height and three inch reach disadvantage against Jessie Vargas. Then it was three and half inches in height and four inches in reach to Errol Spence Jr. Before that, he gave up five inches in height and a ridiculous eight inches in reach to Robert Easter Jr. 

A contest with Pacquiao would actually see Garcia face off against someone who is practically the same size as him. 

How the fight would play out is anyone’s guess, but Garcia has the right blueprint in mind. 

For nearly 25 years, Pacquiao has dominated inside of the ring. But outside of Floyd Mayweather, the two men that have given him the most trouble are Erik Morales and Juan Manuel Marquez. He’s fought both men a combined seven times. And although he’s gone 4-2-1 against them, Garcia thinks that they are the perfect fighters to emulate if he were to meet Pacquiao the ring. 

“I mean, I remember sparring with him years [and] years ago. And I was able to fight in the ways similar to like [Erik] Morales or [Juan Manuel] Marquez, you know boxing, and we did very well. It was only sparring sessions, but I felt good. I was able to time [him], I was able to use my jab effectively, and that’s why I think that fight makes the best sense right now, to prove to everybody that I can be a world champion at the welterweight limit.”

Posted on 04/02/2020

By: Hans Themistode

Time has changed the perception of Mikey Garcia. Both good and bad. 

From roughly 2006-2014, Garcia was viewed as one of the best in all of boxing. He wasn’t spectacular in any area, but all he did was win, win, win and win some more. Simply put, you couldn’t name the best boxers in the world without mentioning Mikey Garcia. 

Then, out of seemingly nowhere, Garcia hit the sidelines for over two years amidst contract issues. As the old saying goes, out of sight out of mind. Garcia had effectively become yesterday’s news. But once he re-emerged two and half years later, he reclaimed a spot amongst the best in the world with wins over Dejan Zlaticanin, Adrien Broner, Sergey Lipinets and Robert Easter Jr. 

No matter where you looked, there just wasn’t a single pound for pound list that didn’t have the name Mikey Garcia. Even with all of his success, Garcia saw his lowest point after he moved up two weight classes and lost to Welterweight champ, Errol Spence Jr in 2019. 

It wasn’t that he simply lost. In fact, many were expecting it. But it was the manner in which he was dominated. Garcia lost every single round against Spence and at no point was it competitive. 

The sort of loss that Garcia suffered isn’t just difficult to bounce back from, but it also makes it difficult for him to attract big name fighters. Well, Fast forward one year later, and Garcia finds himself near the top once again. 

The cause? A great performance against former multiple division champion Jessie Vargas. 

Now that Garcia has regained most of his credibility, he finds himself in line for another big fight. This time, against Manny Pacquiao.  

For years the two pound for pound stars have been rumored to face off with one another. Now however, things seem to be getting serious as Garcia, Spence, WBO Welterweight champion Terence Crawford and former two division champ Danny Garcia are all in the running to face him next. 

Who Pacquiao chooses is anyone’s guess. But if Garcia gets the call, he already has an idea on how he would fight Pacquiao.

“He’s very aggressive, very experienced, very strong,” Garcia said of Pacquiao. “But I look at it as an opportunity for me to fight very smart and try to counter-punch, very similar to the way Marquez fought Manny. You know, Juan Manuel Marquez was very, very intelligent, a great counter-puncher. He did fight Manny, you know, four times. And even though he lost the middle two fights, I felt like he had won. So, I think it’ll be very similar in that way, where I can use my intelligence, my counter-punching abilities and timing to try and beat and overcome that aggressiveness and power that Manny possesses.”

At the moment, promoter Eddie Hearn is hoping to bring a contest between Garcia and Pacquiao to Saudi Arabia sometime later this year.

Posted on 03/14/2020

By: Hans Themistode

When Saudi Arabia landed the Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz Jr rematch in late 2019, not only did they get their hands on one of the biggest fights in recent boxing history, but they also officially became a major player in the boxing landscape. 

Arena’s all over the world that became accustomed to hosting some of the biggest boxing events, immediately turned their eyes to their new overseas competition. 

Not everyone believed in Saudi Arabia. Sure, they managed to get their hands on one monumental contest, but they weren’t a real threat to get their hands on anymore, right? Well, according to promoter Eddie Hearn, that just isn’t true.

“We’re gonna be doing a show there at the end of June/early July. That’s what we’re looking into at the moment,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “We have a partnership in place with Skills Challenge for shows in Saudi. That also involve’s some exciting stuff about academies and performance centres. The goal is to try and bring amateurs through in Saudi Arabia as well.”

If Joshua vs Ruiz 2 is any indication, then Saudi Arabia will be gunning for another huge name. 

Anthony Joshua could make another trip to the area, but so could WBC/Lineal Heavyweight titlist Tyson Fury. An appearance by four division world champion Canelo Alvarez would turn a few heads. So would a showing from three division champ Vasiliy Lomachenko if he decided to pay them a visit. 

Every single one of those aforementioned names would bring a ton of star power. But there’s one fighter that wasn’t previously mentioned, that Saudi Arabia currently has an eye on.

“They want us to deliver a huge show at the end of June/early July. I think Manny Pacquiao is a guy they would probably love to bring to the Kingdom.”

Manny Pacquiao in Saudi Arabia? Why not?

During his 25 year career, the eight division world champ has fought just about everywhere. 

Las Vegas, Malaysia, Australia and even a pit stop in China back in 2013. 

Even at the age of 41 which usually signals retirement, Pacquiao doesn’t seem to be anywhere near the finish line. The WBA Welterweight champ is fresh off a win against Keith Thurman in July of 2019.

As for who he could take on next, simply take a look at the top of the division and take your guess. Unified champion Errol Spence Jr, former belt holder Danny Garcia and four division world champ Mikey Garcia are all on the top of his wish list.

With Pacquiao having a tendency for making his fans pack a passport in order to see him fight, they could be forced to do so again. The current WBA Welterweight star could be on his way to a mega showdown with one of the divisions best, half way access the world in Saudi Arabia.

Posted on 07/29/2018

By: William Holmes

The Staples Center in Los Angeles, California was the host site for tonight’s Showtime World Championship Boxing card. Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions was the lead promoter for the card.

Three bouts were broadcast on tonight’s card, including a main event between Mikey Garcia and Robert Easter Jr. for the WBC/IBF Lightweight Titles.

Photo Credit: Showtime Boxing Twitter Account

The first televised fight of the night was between Mario Barrios (21-0) and Jose Roman (24-2-1) in the junior welterweight division.

Barrios was the bigger boxer of the two and came out the more active fighter. Barrios got a cut by his left eye in the opening round from a punch.

Barrios landed some solid body shots in the second round and was walking Roman down. Barrios landed a good right to the body left hook to the temple combination.

By the third round, Barrios landed twenty body shots in comparison to the three body shots that Roman had landed.

Roman went down in the fourth round after getting stung with a straight right hand and a hard left hook upstairs. Roman closed the round strong in the fourth.

Barrios continued to chase Roman down in the fifth round while Roman tried to circle away. Barrios continued the barrage into the sixth and seventh rounds and his left hooks were landing well.

Barrios continued to obliterate Roman in the eighth round and forced Roman’s corner to stop the fight.

Mario Barrios remains undefeated with an 8th round TKO.

The next bout of the night was a heavyweight fight between Luis Ortiz (28-1) and Razvan Cojanu (16-3).

Cojanu towered over Ortiz with a huge height advantage. Ortiz, a southpaw, was walking down Cojanu with a steady diet of jabs. Ortiz was able to land a few lead left hooks that seemed to stun Cojanu.

Ortiz had a stiff jab in the second round and continued to back Cojanu up. Ortiz was able to land a hard straight left hand to the chin of Cojanu that sent him falling to the mat face forward. He attempted to get up but stumbled several times and forced the referee to stop the fight.

Luis Ortiz wins by knockout in the third round.

The main event of the evening was between Mikey Garcia (38-0) vs. Robert Easter Jr. (21-0) for the WBC/IBF Lightweight Titles.

Easter looked significantly taller than Garcia and used his lengthy jab to keep Garcia at bay in the opening round. Garcia appeared to start to find his range at the end of the first, but Easter had thrown the higher number of punches.

Easter threw straight right hands to the body and was able to land his left hooks to the head. Garcia was able to momentarily trap Easter in the second and land some combinations by the ropes. Easter closed the second with some sharp jabs to the head.

Easter pressed the pace early in the third round but Garcia was able to slow Easter with his jab and left hook. He pressed Easter until he landed a right cross left hook combination that sent Easter down. Garcia ended the round with Easter on full retreat.

Easter with active with his jab in the fourth round. Garcia was able to sneek a right hook around the guard of Easter and was sharp with his lead left hook.

Garcia continued to land the heavier shots in the fifth and sixth rounds and was landing a consistent jab. Garcia had a dominant seventh round and was landing heavy shots at will. Easter was doing his best to circle away from Garcia ‘s power in the eighth round but often got tagged.

The ninth round featured several good violent exchanges, but Garcia appeared to be landing the more damaging punches. Garcia had Easter trapped several times in the tenth and eleventh rounds and took advantage by landing heavy shots, but wasn’t able to send him to the mat.

Garcia was comfortably ahead in the final round but still tried to get the stoppage victory. Easter fought valiantly, but wasn’t good enough to beat Garcia.

Mikey Garcia wins with scores of 116-111, 117-110, and 118-109.