MAYWEATHER-ALVAREZ CARD JUST GOT BETTER!
Danny Garcia
Los Angeles, CA– Recognized World and WBC 140 pound champ Danny “Swift” Garcia (26-0, 16 KOs) defends his title against Argentina’s hard hitting Lucas “La Máquina” Matthysse (34-2, 32 KOs) on the undercard of the Floyd Mayweather-Saul Alvarez mega-match on September 14th. I have to give Garcia some props for taking on the toughest challenge of his career. Question is, was he forced into it?
GOLDEN BOY LEARNNG DON KING MINDSET “MORE”
For the past few weeks, Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer talked about the fight being right around the corner. First, September 7 was the date. Then, September 14 was being tossed around, with the venue remaining unclear. After months of negotiations, the bout is finally set for the MGM Grand on September 14th. It is worth noting, however, that a fight which should have been extremely easy to put together conveniently stalled after Matthysse decapitated the sturdy Lamont Peterson (31-2-1, 16 KOs) in only three rounds on May 18.
DANNY DIDN’T LOOK ALL THAT COMFORTABLE
Garcia was in attendance that night, and he looked slightly uncomfortable. He had a pretty good performance against aging Zab Judah (42-8, 29 KOs) just a month prior to Matthysse’s mauling of Peterson, but stamina was an issue in the championship rounds. Judah, who was once labeled a “4 round fighter” by pound for pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr. (44-0, 26 KOs), was able to stage a comeback in the late rounds against Garcia. Judah was given a gift decision against Matthysse, and though he boxed fairly well, he never troubled the
Argentine like he did Garcia.
INTRPEDATION TO BE EXPECTED AFTER PETERSON BLITZ
After witnessing how easily his chief rival handled the always game Peterson, there is likely some doubt creeping into Garcia’s mind. The Philadelphia native made a name for himself by knocking heavy favorite Amir Khan (28-3, 19 KOs) all the way back to England in the 4th round of their showdown one year ago. He is an undefeated fighter, but Matthysse would no doubt be the most challenging opponent he has faced to date. He won’t fold like a lawn chair if Garcia catches him clean like Amir did. Garcia is in for a twelve round war if his chin manages to hold up that long.
GARCIA-MATTHYSEEE PRECURSOR TO MAYWEATHER MATCH
This is a fight that will determine who the current best is at light welterweight, and a potential fight with Mayweather is on the line for the victor of this matchup. Garcia is a tough young fighter, but I expect his lack of defense and stamina to get the best of him here. Matthysse will get his 33rd stoppage win on September 14th. No, Danny Garcia wasn’t forced to take this match, he’s just a Philadelphia fighter with a lot of pride and a big mouth father.
Zak Young