By: Sean Crose
He was one in every of premier names of the late Mayweather period. A multidivsion titlist, he had bested such notables as Amir Khan, Lucas Matthysse, Lamont Peterson, Pauline Malignaggi, Erik Morales and others. What’s extra, Danny Garcia’s three losses got here to doubtless Corridor of Famers Keith Thurman, Shawn Porter, and Errol Spence. Briefly, Garcia’s profession had been nothing if not extremely profitable. Now, nevertheless, the Philly native is 36 years of age. What’s extra, Garcia has solely fought thrice within the final 4 years. Garcia, nevertheless, is as soon as once more set to return to the ring. His opponent this time will fellow late Mayweather period notable Erislandy Lara.
Lara, though he owns the WBA middleweight title strap, hasn’t been significantly energetic himself as of late. Up to now 4 years, the fighter referred to as “The American Dream” has solely fought yet another time than Garcia has. On prime of all that, Lara is 41 to Garcia’s 36. It might seem to be the previous timer’s league of boxing, however the truth is, Garcia-Lara should be an intriguing bout. Contemplating the truth that the middleweight division isn’t the hotbed of intrigue it as soon as was, every fighter has an opportunity to realize prominence as soon as once more.
At his greatest, Garcia is a pointy capturing counter puncher whereas Lara has been a slick and practiced boxer. He might have been referred to as a junior welterweight and welterweight, however now Garcia is combating at center this time round. Will he nonetheless have the snap to his punches he used to? And what about Lara? At his age will he nonetheless have the fluidity that when made him such formidable competitors? These are the sorts of questions that usually come up when fighters previous their heydays stay in – or return to – the ring.
Lara-Garcia is the form of struggle that might be excellent on primary cable or streaming. You’ll need to pay to see it – nevertheless it’s value noting that Lara-Garcia is a part of a formidable undercard for the Canelo Alvarez-Edgar Berlanga bout on September 14 in Vegas. And, for many who bear in mind or loved watching Garcia and Lara round a decade in the past, there’s some nostalgia in play right here, too.
On prime, in fact, of the WBA middleweight belt. Main titles have a manner of holding a fighter present, in spite of everything. The winner of Lara-Garcia will definitely can be getting old, however nobody will be capable of name him irrelevant.
