Hector Luis Garcia wants to know whether rising junior lightweight contender Chris Colbert’s ability matches his bravado.
The Dominican fighter will find out Saturday in Las Vegas (Showtime).
That’s where they’ll meet after titleholder Roger Gutierrez pulled out of his defense against Colbert because he contracted the coronavirus and Garcia agreed on short notice to step in.
“I’ve seen Chris fight and what I really want to see is if he’s all about boxing or if he’s about the circus. I’m going to make him work for this,” Garcia said during a news conference Thursday.
Colbert’s response? He went along with Garcia’s analogy in firing back at his opponent.
“I can do it all in the ring. How are you going to beat me if I can do it all? I’m a real fighter and I want to give the fans tremendous action,” he said.
“… If he thinks I’m a clown, I’m going to juggle with him on Saturday and give everyone a show.”
Garcia (14-0, 10 KOs) said he’s prepared for the challenge.
“My team has worked tirelessly to have me ready for this great fight,” the 2016 Olympian said. “I don’t consider this a dangerous fight, because I feel ready. Thanks to my team, I have the foundation to become victorious. I’m going to show the fans what I’m capable of Saturday night.”
He went on: “This is the moment I’ve always waited for. This is the chance to announce myself on a big stage. I know that I just have to leave it all in the ring.”
Colbert (16-0, 6 KOs) said he was ready for Gutierrez. And now he’s ready for Garcia.
“He has 10 knockouts but that doesn’t scare me. Everyone knows what I do. Every time someone has power against me, they get beat bad. I don’t know what I’m going to beat him with, but I’m going to beat him down.
“I’m not cocky, it’s just confidence in my skills. We’ve put in the work. I’m in Superman shape. I was ready to take that title.”
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