After his incredible victory against the formidable Lucas Matthysse almost one year ago, Danny “Swift” Garcia’s name was on the tip of every boxing journalists tongue.
The slick boxing ability, along with the devastating power punching made the 26-year-old slugger a certainty for the mega money showdowns he and his outspoken father have craved.
However, Garcia has seen his stock diminish somewhat since that career-defining bout after a lackluster performance against light welterweight contender Mauricio Herrera.
What started as a heroic homecoming for the Philly Rican, soon turned to frustration and despair, as Herrera was able to thwart the young champion’s game plan.
Nevertheless, after a very ropey decision by the three judges scoring the fight, Garcia hung on to his Light Welterweight titles by a mere thread, narrowly avoiding egg on his face.
Since that bout, many believed that Garcia had simply underestimated Herrera that night, after a string of back-to-back high profile bouts with the likes of Amir Khan, Zab Judah and Lucas Matthysse, which would justify his lethargic performance in Puerto Rico, but he cannot allow another mediocre display against Saturday’s opponent, Rod Salka who is ready to steal the spotlight.
Even though Salka is relatively unknown within most boxing circles, the man nicknamed “Lightning Rod” has not been lacking in confidence throughout the build up to the toughest test of his career.
On the other hand, its no secret that Salka does not belong in the same ring as Garcia due to Salka’s lack of legitimate opposition, which has been the topic of discussion since the fight was made. However, Salka is in a no-lose situation and will be eager to shock the world.
Therefore, with Garcia seemingly risking it all for very little reward, could this bout potentially prove as a banana skin for a fighter that only one year ago was reaching for the stars?
With the big names of the welterweight division looming, Danny Garcia must make a statement this Saturday night to eradicate the demons of the Herrera debacle, which he is very capable of doing.
If there is to be an almighty upset though, then the big money bouts Garcia is striving towards, could almost disappear before his very eyes.
All photos by Amanda Kwok/Showtime
