Danny García

Danny García
Statistics
Real name Danny Oscar García
Nickname(s) Swift
Rated at Light welterweight
Height 5 ft 8.5 in (174 cm)
Reach 68.5 in (174 cm)
Nationality American
Born March 20, 1988
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Stance Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights 30
Wins 30
Wins by KO 17
Losses 0
Draws 0
No contests 0

Danny Oscar García (born March 20, 1988) is a American professional boxer from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and fights at light welterweight. He is the reigning WBC, WBA (Super), and Ring Magazine champion in his weight class.

Early life

García was born in North Philadelphia ("North Philly") to a mother from Bayamón, Puerto Rico and Ángel García originally from Naguabo, Puerto Rico, who was also a boxer.[1] It was his father who introduced him to boxing, taking him to Philadelphia's Harrowgate Boxing Club when he was ten years old, the minimum age allowed by local law for a minor to train. García Sr. has since been his primary boxing coach. Having been raised in the city with the second largest Puerto Rican community in the United States, García identified with his heritage, stating early in his career the desire to become the "next great Puerto Rican fighter".[2] Garcia admired Boxing Hall of Famer Carlos Ortíz as his favorite boxer and considered Ortíz's fight against Lenny Matthews in Philadelphia among the most memorable he had ever witnessed.

Amateur highlights

Professional career

Light Welterweight

García made his professional debut on November 17, 2007, at the Borgata Hotel Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey against Mike Denby. He opened up by throwing power shots, but it was a short right that sent Denby to the canvas. Another right put Denby down again in a neutral corner. García moved in for the knockout, and sent Denby down for the third and final time with a right-left combination. After the third knockdown, the referee waved the bout over.[4] His next fight took place on the undercard of the Floyd Mayweather, Jr.-Ricky Hatton superfight on December 8, 2007, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. García defeated Jesús Villareal by second round technical knockout. On January 11, 2008, at the Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa in Cabazon, California, García defeated Marlo Córtez by second round knockout. With precise accurate punches, he disabled Cortéz, dropping him with a left hook early in the second round, forcing the referee to stop the contest.[5] On March 15, 2008, at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, García fought Charles Wade. He utilized his speed and quickness to get close to Wade before blasting him with a left hook to knock him out.[6]

In his fifth professional fight, García fought Guadalupe Díaz, on April 19, 2008, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. He hurt Díaz early in the fight with a barrage of punches. The referee was forced to stop the fight after Díaz was on wobbly legs.[7] His next fight took place on May 3, 2008, at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California against Julio Gamboa. García was in command of the fight, using his fast hands and good power to win by unanimous decision.[8] On the undercard of the Bernard Hopkins-Kelly Pavlik fight for the world middleweight championship at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, García stopped Dean Nash by technical knockout after three knockdowns in the third round.

He survived a tough fight with Ashley Theophane in February 2010, coming away with a split-decision victory. García knocked out faded contender Mike Arnaoutis in four rounds later in the year. In his next contest held in April 2011, he defeated former lightweight titlist Nate Campbell. On August 15, 2011, García won the vacant NABO Jr. Welterweight belt in Los Angeles fighting on the HBO PPV undercard of Hopkins vs. Dawson, on a split decision over former champion Kendall Holt.

Garcia vs. Morales I

In his first world title contest, García faced Mexican legend and Ring Top 10 Light Welterweight, Erik Morales, for the WBC Super Lightweight World Championship in another chapter of the infamous "Puerto Rico vs. Mexico" boxing rivalry. He began the fight slowly, which Morales used to his advantage and injured his nose. As the fight progressed, García gained control, scoring a knockdown in the eleventh round before receiving a unanimous decision in his favor.[9] The scores granted by the judges were 118–111, 117–110 and 116–112.

Garcia vs. Khan

On 14 July 2012 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Garcia met Amir Khan, who was the #3 ranked light welterweight by The Ring. The fight was a title unification bout, as Garcia's WBC title and Khan's WBA Super title were both on the line. Khan entered the fight as a heavy favorite, with betting odds at 1-7 in his favor.

The fight got off to a bad start for Garcia as Khan seemed much too fast for him. Khan won the first two rounds and was well on his way to winning the third, but with twenty-nine seconds left in the round Garcia countered a Khan combination with a left hook that caught his opponent with a left to the neck and dropped him to the canvas. Khan rose to his feet quickly but had been hurt by the punch, and referee Kenny Bayless took an extra few seconds after administering the standing eight count to make sure that Khan could continue. Garcia resumed his attack and nearly finished off Khan, who was saved when the bell rang to end the round. Eight seconds into the fourth Khan, now on unsteady legs, could not withstand a barrage of punches from Garcia, who was now taking control of the fight. Garcia kept pounding away at Khan, who lost his balance and touched the canvas with his gloves, thus forcing Bayless to administer another standing eight count as a fighter is considered down once any body part of his other than his feet touch the ring after a punch.

Khan tried desperately to rally and stay in the fight. However, with forty-eight seconds left in the round Khan was smacked senseless for a third time. This time, Khan got up quickly and appeared to have recovered from the barrage of earlier and told Bayless he was okay to continue. Bayless, after considering Khan's position, decided that the champion had taken enough punishment and stopped the fight, awarding a technical knockout victory and the WBA Super championship to Garcia.[10]

Garcia vs. Morales II

Garcia's next fight was a rematch against Ring Top 10 Light Welterweight, Erik Morales. The fight took place on October 20, l2012, in Brooklyn. Danny Garcia retained his WBC, WBA (Super) & The Ring Light Welterweight title's by knocking out Erik Morales with a thunderous left hook in the fourth round. Here is how FOX Sports described how Danny Garcia knocked out Erik Morales: TV "Morales is dancing in the opening seconds, but is that because he's got a second wind or because he still doesn't know where he is? He did head to the wrong corner at the end of the last round.

This is a bad omen folks. Garcia is tapping Morales' guard with his left hand, literally telling Morales where the next shot is going to come. After four taps, Morales decides it's time to get aggressive. Bad move. Garcia blasts Morales with a left hook that launches Morales through the ropes. You can see it in Morales' eyes, he's not getting back up. KO for Garcia."

Garcia vs. Judah

Danny Garcia defeated Zab Judah by unanimous decision (115-112, 114-112, 116-111) at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on April 27, 2013.[11]

Garcia vs. Matthysse

Garcia was a 2-1 underdog going into his fight against Lucas Matthysse on the undercard of the Floyd Mayweather vs. Canelo Alvarez superfight September 14, 2013.

Nevertheless, Garcia stood firm and fought a mature fight. Matthysse won several of the early rounds, putting heavy pressure on the champion by utilizing speed and punching power. In the middle rounds, Matthysse sustained an injury to his right eye from a Garcia flinch, to which Garcia targeted the eye throughout the remainder of the fight, subsequently taking the lead on the scorecards and closing the challengers eye. In the eleventh round Matthysse landed a punch that knocked out Garcia's mouthpiece, but Garcia turned the tables and knocked Matthysse down in the 11th round with a four-punch combination. Garcia was docked a point in the final round for low blows, but the last round was very competitive with both champion and challenger trading big shots. Garcia took the unanimous decision (115-111, 114-112 and 114-112), giving Matthysse his first decisive loss. This fight also clarified that Garcia's chin is capable of taking big shots, as it was widely touted before the fight that Garcia would not be able to absorb the huge punching power that Matthysse is famous for.

For beating Judah and Matthysse, Garcia was named 2013 Boxer of the Year by Stiff Jab.[12]

Garcia vs. Herrera

Garcia retained his titles in a highly disputed majority decision win over Mauricio Herrera.[13] Garcia won with extremely close scores of (114-114, 116-112, 116-112[14]). The fight aired on Showtime and was the first fight for Garcia in his parents homeland of Puerto Rico. Despite winning on the official cards showtime commentators Al Bernstein, Paulie Malignaggi, and Steve Farhood saw it 96-95, 97-93, 97-94 all in favor of Mauricio Herrera.[15] Garcia, who is known for his left hook, had difficulty landing punches as Herrera was connecting at will with a strong jab and using his timing to throw off Garcia who was unable to adapt and make adjustments as the fight wore on. Herrera showed strong skills as he constantly jabbed Garcia to the body and head while mixing in straight right hands badly damaging Garcia's face and effectively blocked most of Garcia's power punches leading most to believe Herrera defeated Garcia.[16] Despite calls for a rematch by Herrera, Garcia would go on to defend his title against Rod Salka.

Premier Boxing Champions Garcia Vs Peterson

On January 14, 2015, NBC announced a partnership with Premier Boxing Champions to air premium fights on network television. It was announced that Danny Garcia vs. Lamont Peterson would fight April 11, 2015 on NBC primetime.[17] The fight was at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.[18] The highly anticipated bout between Garcia and Peterson took place at a 143 pound catch weight and was a non title bout. Both fighters had something to prove as Garcia was coming off a recent poor performance in a disputed victory over Mauricio Herrera and Peterson was still reeling from a knockout loss to Lucas Matthysse in 2013. In the early rounds Peterson was very defensive as he moved around the ring and attempted to frustrate Garcia with his awkward style. Garcia was the busier fighter the first four or five rounds throwing and landing more punches although having trouble landing clean punches on Peterson. After round six Peterson became the aggressor in the fight using his boxing skills to land some big punches on Garcia. Garcia answered in round eight with a rally of his own before Peterson dominated in the championship rounds landing devastating power punches seemingly at will including a left hook in the final round sending Garcia into the ropes and momentarily off balance before regaining his footing. Garcia was unable to generate any offense in the last three rounds of the fight after Peterson began coming forward and the power punches of Peterson led many to believe that he had the fight won. Despite the sentiment among many observers that Peterson won the fight, Garcia was awarded a highly controversial majority decision by scores of 114-114, 115-113, 115-113.[19]

Professional boxing record

30 Wins (17 knockouts), 0 Losses[20]
Res. Record Opponent Type Rd., Time Date Location Notes
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 30–0 United States Lamont Peterson MD 12 2015-04-11 United States Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York Non title fight. Catchweight: 143 lbs.
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 29–0 United States Rod Salka KO 2 (10), 2:31 2014-08-09 United States Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York Non title fight. Catchweight: 142 lbs.
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 28–0 United States Mauricio Herrera MD 12 2014-03-15 Puerto Rico Coliseo Ruben Rodriguez, Bayamon, Puerto Rico Retained WBC & WBA Super Lightweight titles.
Retained The Ring Junior Welterweight titles.
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 27–0 Argentina Lucas Matthysse UD 12 2013-09-14 United States MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada Retained WBC & WBA Super Lightweight titles.
Retained The Ring Junior Welterweight titles.
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 26–0 United States Zab Judah UD 12 2013-04-27 United States Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York Retained WBC & WBA Super Lightweight titles.
Retained The Ring Junior Welterweight titles.
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 25–0 Mexico Érik Morales KO 4 (12), 2:39 2012-10-20 United States Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York Retained WBC & WBA Super Lightweight titles.
Retained The Ring Junior Welterweight title.
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 24–0 United Kingdom Amir Khan TKO 4 (12), 2:28 2012-07-14 United States Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada Retained WBC Super Lightweight title. Won WBA Super Lightweight
& vacant The Ring Junior Welterweight titles.
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 23–0 Mexico Érik Morales UD 12 2012-03-24 United States Reliant Arena, Houston, Texas Won WBC Super Lightweight title.
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 22–0 United States Kendall Holt SD 10 2011-10-15 United States Staples Center, Los Angeles, California Won vacant NABO Light Welterweight title.
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 21–0 United States Nate Campbell UD 10 2011-04-09 United States MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 20–0 Puerto Rico John Figueroa KO 2 (8), 0:52 2011-02-25 United States Four Points by Sheraton, San Diego, California
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 19–0 Greece Mike Arnaoutis KO 4 (10), 1:05 2010-10-08 United States South Philly Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 18–0 Mexico Jorge Romero TKO 9 (10), 1:16 2010-07-30 Mexico Moon Palace, Cancún, Quintana Roo Won Interim WBC Youth Welterweight title.
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 17–0 United States Christopher Fernández TKO 7 (10), 1:18 2010-05-07 United States South Philly Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 16–0 United Kingdom Ashley Theophane SD 10 2010-02-26 United States Don Haskins Center, El Paso, Texas
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 15–0 Mexico Enrique Colin KO 2 (10), 0:55 2009-12-02 United States Liacouras Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Won Interim WBC Youth International Light Welterweight title.
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 14–0 Colombia Oscar León TKO 3 (6), 2:59 2009-08-22 United States Toyota Center, Houston, Texas
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 13–0 Mexico Pavel Miranda TKO 2 (8), 0:56 2009-06-12 United States HP Pavilion, San Jose, California
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 12–0 Mexico Humberto Tapia UD 8 2009-04-11 United States Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 11–0 Mexico Cristian Favela UD 8 2009-02-28 United States Toyota Center, Houston, Texas
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 10–0 Mexico José Alfredo Lugo UD 8 2008-12-06 United States MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 9–0 United States Adan Hernández UD 6 2008-11-22 United States MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 8–0 United States Deon Nash TKO 3 (6), 2:59 2008-10-18 United States Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 7–0 United States Tyrone Wiggins TKO 1 (4), 1:04 2008-09-13 United States MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 6–0 Nicaragua Julio Gamboa UD 6 2008-05-03 United States The Home Depot Center, Carson, California
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 5–0 United States Guadalupe Díaz TKO 1 (6), 1:53 2008-04-19 United States Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 4–0 United States Charles Wade TKO 1 (6), 0:43 2008-03-15 United States Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 3–0 Mexico Marlo Cortéz KO 2 (4), 1:07 2008-01-11 United States Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, Cabazon, California
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 2–0 United States Jesús Villareal TKO 2 (4), 2:28 2007-12-08 United States MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 1–0 United States Mike Denby KO 1 (4), 1:08 2007-11-17 United States Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City, New Jersey Professional boxing debut.

Honors and awards

He was named the 2013 Philadelphia Pro Athlete of the Year by the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association.[21][22]

References

  1. ↑ Con fecha Danny García vs Erick Moráles. Prboxea.com (2011-12-29). Retrieved on 2013-01-26.
  2. ↑ TSS Prospect Watch: Danny Garcia. Thesweetscience.com. Retrieved on 2013-01-26.
  3. ↑ "USA Boxing – DANNY GaRCIA". Archived from the original on 2008-02-15. Retrieved 2008-03-20.
  4. ↑ Scharmberg, Rick (2008-01-15). "Garcia Hammers Denby". Fightnews.com. Retrieved 2008-05-27.
  5. ↑ Aranda, Ramon (2008-01-15). "Danny Garcia Continues to Shine". 411mania.com. Retrieved 2008-03-20.
  6. ↑ Aranda, Ramon (2008-03-17). "Danny Garcia Dazzles Fans at Pacquiao-Marquez Undercard". 411mania.com. Retrieved 2008-04-21.
  7. ↑ "Boxing Prospect Danny Garcia Wins on Calzaghe vs. Hopkins Undercard". SaddoBoxing.com. 2008-04-22. Retrieved 2008-05-27.
  8. ↑ Slater, James. "Hot Prospect Danny "Swift" Garcia Advances To 6–0 With Points Win Over Game Julio Gamboa". East Side Boxing. Retrieved 2008-05-27.
  9. ↑ Dan Rafael (2012-03-25). "Garcia outlasts Erik Morales to win title". ESPN. Retrieved 2012-03-25.
  10. ↑ Garcia TKO's Khan in fourth round ant & Tate won 1000$ Fox Sport.
  11. ↑ Stiff Jab — Brooklyn Boxing: Danny Garcia & Peter Quillin Win
  12. ↑ Stiff Jab — Stiff Jab 2013 Boxer of the Year: Danny Garcia
  13. ↑ Garcia vs. Herrera: Winner, Scorecard and Analysis | Bleacher Report
  14. ↑ Danny Garcia defeats Lucas Matthysse by unanimous decision - ESPN
  15. ↑ "TWITTER REACTS TO DANNY GARCIA'S MAJORITY DECISION WIN OVER MAURICIO HERRERA|| FIGHTHYPE.COM". www.fighthype.com. Retrieved 2015-04-13.
  16. ↑ "Garcia vs Herrera results: Danny Garcia survives Mauricio Herrera with debatable majority decision win". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved 2015-04-14.
  17. ↑ Premier Boxing Champions series to air on NBC | Premier Boxing Champions
  18. ↑ Barclays Center to host Garcia-Peterson - Dan Rafael Blog - ESPN
  19. ↑ "Danny Garcia defeats Lamont Peterson by majority decision in non-title fight". Retrieved 2015-04-14.
  20. ↑ Danny Garcia : Boxer. Boxrec.com. Retrieved on 2013-01-26.
  21. ↑ "PSWA’s 110th annual Sports Awards Dinner: Who is going to be there?". Philadelphia Sports Writers Association. January 20, 2014. Retrieved 2014-03-09.
  22. ↑ "Philadelphia Sports Writers Association Banquet: Notable sports celebrities were out in force at the Hyatt in Cherry Hill". Liberty City Press. February 14, 2014. Retrieved 2014-03-10.

External links

Awards and achievements
Vacant
Title last held by
Erik Morales		 WBC Super Lightweight Champion
March 24, 2012 – present 		Incumbent
Preceded by
Amir Khan		 WBA Super Lightweight Champion
Super Title
July 15, 2012 – present
Vacant
Title last held by
Manny Pacquiao		 The Ring Light Welterweight Champion
July 15, 2012 – present
Lineal Light Welterweight Champion
September 14, 2013 – present