Photo by Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions
1. No Sign of Ring Rust
Danny Garcia fought Samuel Vargas in front of his hometown fans in Philadelphia on Saturday night.
This was the first time Garcia had fought in his hometown in six years. In spite of a 10-month ring hiatus, Danny Garcia proved that ring rust wasn’t an issue.
Ring rust is almost always expected after such a long layoff, but Danny Garcia came out of his corner in Round 1 looking refreshed and hungry. He quickly set the tone looking extremely sharp–landing several left hooks and straight right hands against Vargas.
There is no question that this was a tune-up fight for Garcia but nonetheless, he came out and put on a show for his hometown fans. Vargas showed heart, but Garcia was able to outclass his opponent and come out victorious in striking fashion.
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2. Garcia’s Power at 147
Another question that lingered before this fight against Samuel Vargas was whether or not Danny Garcia’s power would carry over to the 147-weight class. In the closing seconds of Round 2, Garcia landed a devastating right that caused Vargas to tumble into a somersault onto the canvas. This was the beginning of the end for Vargas.
Garcia continued his attack through late in the seventh round. Garcia trapped Vargas against the ropes and began unleashing everything he had until referee Gary Rosato stepped in and put a stop to the bout.
Though from a spectator’s point of view, it looked as if it were clear Garcia’s power has carried over to his new weight class, Vargas begs to differ.
“I’ve been hit harder before, but it was just the accumulation of punches that got to me. I thought he’d be a heavier hitter. He punches great in-between,” said Vargas.
One thing is certain, Garcia’s counter punching was impeccable. He was able to counter faster than Vargas could throw.
Garcia’s constant attack lead him to victory and even though his power seemed to be too much for Vargas, the question remains–how will his power stack up against the heavy-hitting Keith Thurman in his next bout?
Photo by Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions
3. Danny Garcia vs. Keith Thurman
It seems as though the cherry picking is over–at least for now! With this tune-up fight behind him, Danny Garcia set up his March 4 showdown against Keith Thurman.
Fellow 147-pound champion Keith Thurman watched the bout ringside.
After Garcia’s impressive victory, the two titleholders began a heated exchange of words outside of the ring, later engaging in a full-fledged nose-to-nose confrontation inside the ring.
This fight is highly anticipated and will be Garcia’s biggest test to date. March 4 can’t come quick enough for boxing fans.
