Danny Garcia didn’t realize he was biting off more than he could chew until it was too late.
In his lone appearance of 2024, Garcia (37-4, 21 KOs) brazenly moved up to the middleweight division to challenge Erislandy Lara for his WBA title. Garcia called it daring to be great, but Lara called it foolish.
Although he normally sticks on the outside with his left hand cocked, Lara walked straight to Garcia, forcing him to fold under his relentless pressure. Once it was over, the 36-year-old began flirting with the idea of retirement. There’s still a possibility he could walk away but Angel Garcia, his father and trainer, recently revealed that his son’s obituary shouldn’t be written just yet.
“Danny might fight again,” admitted Garcia to YSM Sports Media.
If he does climb through those ropes again, Garcia would likely want a big-time fight as opposed to some tenuous tuneup. Currently, the ball isn’t in his court. Considering his last performance and the stage of his career, Garcia will have to wait until an opportunity comes his way. Luckily for him, his father knows exactly who should be knocking on his door.
“The perfect fight for him would be Mario Barrios,” continued Garcia. “That’s a good fight.”
Barrios, 29, could use a good pick-me-up. When last seen, he struggled to a split decision draw against Abel Ramos. As he ponders his next move, Garcia would make a lot of sense. However, is it pragmatic? That’s another question entirely.
It’s been well over five years since Garcia made the draining weight cut to 147 pounds. His father, nevertheless, isn’t worried. It might’ve been a while since he stepped into the ring as a welterweight but just because he hasn’t done it lately, doesn't mean he can’t do it at all.
“He can make 147. He punches hard at 47.”