Tag: Garcia vs Martin

Good, bad, worse: The Sandor Martin-Mikey Garcia shocker, RIP Tony DeMarco

Good, bad, worse: The Sandor Martin-Mikey Garcia shocker, RIP Tony DeMarco.

A critical look at the past week in boxing

GOOD

One of the great things about boxing is that a hungry fighter can come out of nowhere and do something special if given an opportunity.

That’s what Sandor Martin of Spain did on Saturday night in Fresno, California, where he outboxed former four-division titleholder Mikey Garcia to win what should’ve been a unanimous decision in a 10-round welterweight bout.

Garcia stalked Martin from the outset but was never able to figure out a way to land punches consistently, as the athletic Spaniard danced out of harm’s way or clinched to avoid inside exchanges. The pound-for-pounder landed only 60 punches, according to CompuBox.

At the same time, Martin countered well and caught Garcia coming in more than enough to catch the attention of the judges. He landed relatively few punches himself – 75 – but he made them count.

It was a winning formula. Two judges gave Martin seven rounds (as did I) while the third judge (Zachary Young) somehow scored it a draw, giving Martin one of the biggest upsets in recent years by a majority decision.

The victory is a career-changer for Martin, who had never faced a fighter of Garcia’s caliber or fought in such a high-profile event. The former kickboxer from Barcelona is now a bona fide title contender, which had been his dream.

There was talk of a rematch but that seems unlikely to me. Martin is a natural 140-pounder who fought Garcia at a catch weight of 145. He’ll probably move back down in weight and target undisputed junior welterweight champ Josh Taylor.

Could Martin beat Taylor? He already proved anything is possible.

***

BAD

Mikey Garcia had a difficult time connecting against Sandor Martin the entire fight.  Photo by Matchroom Boxing

Was Garcia rusty? That would be understandable given a layoff of almost 20 months. Was he uninspired? It can be difficult to find motivation when you fight obscure opponents. Was it an off night? That happens.

Or was it worse? Is the best of the 33-year-old Garcia in his past?

I believe Garcia’s poor showing can be attributed to all of the above, although to different degrees.

A long layoff and a lack of fire can produce flat performances, which might be what Garcia experienced. He looked to me like a bored fighter going through the motions, not one battling to earn another shot at a major championship.

If he hopes to regain his status as one of the best in the business, he has to fight as if he were young and hungry to make his mark. Otherwise, he could have more nights like one he endured on Saturday.

And, let’s face it, Garcia probably will never again be the dominating fighter he was at more natural weights of 126, 130 and 135, at which he rolled over the likes of Orlando Salido, Juan Manuel Lopez, Roman Martinez, Juan Carlos Burgos and many more.

A reasonable question: Does he still have enough to win one more major title? I believe he does, particularly if he pursues it at 140 pounds and learned a lesson on Saturday.

***

WORSE

Boxing lost one of the last stars of a golden era when 89-year-old Hall of Famer Tony DeMarco died on Oct. 11.

DeMarco peaked in the 1950s, when the talent pool was deep and fighters first performed on television on a regular basis. DeMarco, Carmen Basilio, Johnny Saxton, Kid Gavilan, Vince Martinez, Wallace Bud Smith and Jimmy Carter were household names at that time and important figures in boxing lore.

DeMarco, whose real name was Leo Liotta, borrowed a friend’s name so he could turn pro at 16 years old (two younger than the required 18) in 1948. He was known as Tony DeMarco thereafter.

He quickly became a fan favorite because of his ferocious style, one in which he was willing to take punches in order to deliver them. And he reached the pinnacle of the sport. The Bostonian knocked out Johnny Saxton in the 14th round to win the world welterweight title in 1955, when there was only one champion per division.

He lost his belt to the great Carmen Basilio in his first defense two months later – and would never win another — but continued to prove that he could compete with anyone.

And a number of his fights are remembered as classics, particularly a brutal, back-and-forth rematch with Basilio – a 12-round knockout victory for the New Yorker – that was the 1955 Ring Magazine Fight of the Year and one of best of the era.

“I didn’t win that night but they said it was the Fight of the Year and some people say it was the Fight of the Century,” DeMarco once told the Boston Globe. “How many guys are part of the Fight of the Year?

“I have to be grateful for that.”

The boxing world is grateful to you, Tony. RIP.

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Good, bad, worse: The Sandor Martin-Mikey Garcia shocker, RIP Tony DeMarco

Good, bad, worse: The Sandor Martin-Mikey Garcia shocker, RIP Tony DeMarco.

A critical look at the past week in boxing

GOOD

One of the great things about boxing is that a hungry fighter can come out of nowhere and do something special if given an opportunity.

That’s what Sandor Martin of Spain did on Saturday night in Fresno, California, where he outboxed former four-division titleholder Mikey Garcia to win what should’ve been a unanimous decision in a 10-round welterweight bout.

Garcia stalked Martin from the outset but was never able to figure out a way to land punches consistently, as the athletic Spaniard danced out of harm’s way or clinched to avoid inside exchanges. The pound-for-pounder landed only 60 punches, according to CompuBox.

At the same time, Martin countered well and caught Garcia coming in more than enough to catch the attention of the judges. He landed relatively few punches himself – 75 – but he made them count.

It was a winning formula. Two judges gave Martin seven rounds (as did I) while the third judge (Zachary Young) somehow scored it a draw, giving Martin one of the biggest upsets in recent years by a majority decision.

The victory is a career-changer for Martin, who had never faced a fighter of Garcia’s caliber or fought in such a high-profile event. The former kickboxer from Barcelona is now a bona fide title contender, which had been his dream.

There was talk of a rematch but that seems unlikely to me. Martin is a natural 140-pounder who fought Garcia at a catch weight of 145. He’ll probably move back down in weight and target undisputed junior welterweight champ Josh Taylor.

Could Martin beat Taylor? He already proved anything is possible.

***

BAD

Mikey Garcia had a difficult time connecting against Sandor Martin the entire fight.  Photo by Matchroom Boxing

Was Garcia rusty? That would be understandable given a layoff of almost 20 months. Was he uninspired? It can be difficult to find motivation when you fight obscure opponents. Was it an off night? That happens.

Or was it worse? Is the best of the 33-year-old Garcia in his past?

I believe Garcia’s poor showing can be attributed to all of the above, although to different degrees.

A long layoff and a lack of fire can produce flat performances, which might be what Garcia experienced. He looked to me like a bored fighter going through the motions, not one battling to earn another shot at a major championship.

If he hopes to regain his status as one of the best in the business, he has to fight as if he were young and hungry to make his mark. Otherwise, he could have more nights like one he endured on Saturday.

And, let’s face it, Garcia probably will never again be the dominating fighter he was at more natural weights of 126, 130 and 135, at which he rolled over the likes of Orlando Salido, Juan Manuel Lopez, Roman Martinez, Juan Carlos Burgos and many more.

A reasonable question: Does he still have enough to win one more major title? I believe he does, particularly if he pursues it at 140 pounds and learned a lesson on Saturday.

***

WORSE

Boxing lost one of the last stars of a golden era when 89-year-old Hall of Famer Tony DeMarco died on Oct. 11.

DeMarco peaked in the 1950s, when the talent pool was deep and fighters first performed on television on a regular basis. DeMarco, Carmen Basilio, Johnny Saxton, Kid Gavilan, Vince Martinez, Wallace Bud Smith and Jimmy Carter were household names at that time and important figures in boxing lore.

DeMarco, whose real name was Leo Liotta, borrowed a friend’s name so he could turn pro at 16 years old (two younger than the required 18) in 1948. He was known as Tony DeMarco thereafter.

He quickly became a fan favorite because of his ferocious style, one in which he was willing to take punches in order to deliver them. And he reached the pinnacle of the sport. The Bostonian knocked out Johnny Saxton in the 14th round to win the world welterweight title in 1955, when there was only one champion per division.

He lost his belt to the great Carmen Basilio in his first defense two months later – and would never win another — but continued to prove that he could compete with anyone.

And a number of his fights are remembered as classics, particularly a brutal, back-and-forth rematch with Basilio – a 12-round knockout victory for the New Yorker – that was the 1955 Ring Magazine Fight of the Year and one of best of the era.

“I didn’t win that night but they said it was the Fight of the Year and some people say it was the Fight of the Century,” DeMarco once told the Boston Globe. “How many guys are part of the Fight of the Year?

“I have to be grateful for that.”

The boxing world is grateful to you, Tony. RIP.

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Sandor Martin stuns boxing world by outpointing Mikey Garcia

Sandor Martin stunned the boxing world by outpointing Mikey Garcia on Saturday in Fresno.

Say hello to Sandor Martin. He might be around for a while.

The obscure Spaniard turned in the performance of his life Saturday in Fresno, Calif., outboxing and ultimately defeated former four-division titleholder Mikey Garcia by a majority decision in a 10-round welterweight fight.

And it wasn’t controversial. Martin won by scores of 97-93, 97-93 and 95-95, the last of which is disputable. Boxing Junkie also has Martin winning 97-93, seven rounds to three.

Martin’s victory is one of the biggest upsets in recent years. And it was historic from the underdog’s perspective.

“I know myself, my capabilities. I’ve been doing this since I was 5 years old,” Martin said through a translator. “I said I would go and out do this, go out and beat the best fighters in the world. And that’s what I’ve done.

“… I’m very happy for what I’ve done. I’ve done something nobody has ever done from my country, to defeat someone who was a four-division world champion like Mikey Garcia.”

Garcia (40-2, 30 KOs) hadn’t fought since he outpointed Jessie Vargas in February of last year, almost 20 months ago.

Still, one of most accomplished boxers in the world wasn’t expected to have a hard time against a relative unknown who had never faced anyone near Garcia’s ability and was fighting outside Europe for the first time.

Surprise, surprise.

Garcia stalked Martin (39-2, 13 KOs) from the beginning but was never able to land punches consistently, as his slick, athletic opponent spun out of dangerous situations or clinched when Garcia got too close. At the same time, Martin countered beautifully or caught Garcia coming in before slithering away.

The American had his moments, including a handful of flurries with Martin’s back against the ropes. However, it wasn’t enough to sway two of the three judges.

Garcia thought he, as the aggressor, did enough to earn the victory.

“I was looking for the fight,” he said. “He was running around a lot. He was able to counter a few times but I was the one actively looking for the fight. I thought I was ahead on the cards.

“It is what it is. That’s why they have judges. They decided he was the one winning the fight.”

The stunning victory was a gigantic step in the career of the 28-year-old from Barcelona, who presumably will get more important opportunities. Could the first be a rematch with Garcia?

Martin said he’s willing to give Garcia a second chance but expects to conduct business at a more natural 140 pounds, not 147, going forward. He and Garcia fought at a catch weight of 145 pounds.

“He gave me this opportunity,” Martin said. “Perhaps I can give him an opportunity. What I really want to do is go back down to 140 and fight the best fighters, fight for titles.”

Meanwhile, Garcia’s plans were blown up in central California. He had hoped to face Regis Prograis and then possibly challenge undisputed 140-pound champ Josh Taylor. Now, after Saturday night, he’ll have to take a step back.

He likes the idea of a second fight with Martin.

“I can definitely consider a rematch,” he said. “I think two more rounds would be beneficial. I thought I was coming on better in the later rounds. But no excuses. That’s the way it is.”

Also on the card, Jonathan Gonzalez (25-3-1, 14 KOs) defeated Elwin Soto (19-2, 13 KOs) by a split decision to take Soto’s WBO 108-pound title.

Sandor Martin stuns boxing world by outpointing Mikey Garcia

Sandor Martin stunned the boxing world by outpointing Mikey Garcia on Saturday in Fresno.

Say hello to Sandor Martin. He might be around for a while.

The obscure Spaniard turned in the performance of his life Saturday in Fresno, Calif., outboxing and ultimately defeated former four-division titleholder Mikey Garcia by a majority decision in a 10-round welterweight fight.

And it wasn’t controversial. Martin won by scores of 97-93, 97-93 and 95-95, the last of which is disputable. Boxing Junkie also has Martin winning 97-93, seven rounds to three.

Martin’s victory is one of the biggest upsets in recent years. And it was historic from the underdog’s perspective.

“I know myself, my capabilities. I’ve been doing this since I was 5 years old,” Martin said through a translator. “I said I would go and out do this, go out and beat the best fighters in the world. And that’s what I’ve done.

“… I’m very happy for what I’ve done. I’ve done something nobody has ever done from my country, to defeat someone who was a four-division world champion like Mikey Garcia.”

Garcia (40-2, 30 KOs) hadn’t fought since he outpointed Jessie Vargas in February of last year, almost 20 months ago.

Still, one of most accomplished boxers in the world wasn’t expected to have a hard time against a relative unknown who had never faced anyone near Garcia’s ability and was fighting outside Europe for the first time.

Surprise, surprise.

Garcia stalked Martin (39-2, 13 KOs) from the beginning but was never able to land punches consistently, as his slick, athletic opponent spun out of dangerous situations or clinched when Garcia got too close. At the same time, Martin countered beautifully or caught Garcia coming in before slithering away.

The American had his moments, including a handful of flurries with Martin’s back against the ropes. However, it wasn’t enough to sway two of the three judges.

Garcia thought he, as the aggressor, did enough to earn the victory.

“I was looking for the fight,” he said. “He was running around a lot. He was able to counter a few times but I was the one actively looking for the fight. I thought I was ahead on the cards.

“It is what it is. That’s why they have judges. They decided he was the one winning the fight.”

The stunning victory was a gigantic step in the career of the 28-year-old from Barcelona, who presumably will get more important opportunities. Could the first be a rematch with Garcia?

Martin said he’s willing to give Garcia a second chance but expects to conduct business at a more natural 140 pounds, not 147, going forward. He and Garcia fought at a catch weight of 145 pounds.

“He gave me this opportunity,” Martin said. “Perhaps I can give him an opportunity. What I really want to do is go back down to 140 and fight the best fighters, fight for titles.”

Meanwhile, Garcia’s plans were blown up in central California. He had hoped to face Regis Prograis and then possibly challenge undisputed 140-pound champ Josh Taylor. Now, after Saturday night, he’ll have to take a step back.

He likes the idea of a second fight with Martin.

“I can definitely consider a rematch,” he said. “I think two more rounds would be beneficial. I thought I was coming on better in the later rounds. But no excuses. That’s the way it is.”

Also on the card, Jonathan Gonzalez (25-3-1, 14 KOs) defeated Elwin Soto (19-2, 13 KOs) by a split decision to take Soto’s WBO 108-pound title.

Mikey Garcia can see himself pursuing a title at 147 or 140

Former four-division beltholder Mikey Garcia said he can see himself pursuing a title at 147 pounds or 140.

Mikey Garcia seemed to have been steadfast in his pursuit of a major title at 147 pounds, which would make him a five-division champion. However, the smallish welterweight is open to fighting for another belt at 140.

That would mean a meeting with undisputed junior welterweight titleholder Josh Taylor, assuming he remains champion.

Garcia (40-1, 30 KOs) is scheduled to face Sando Martin (38-2, 13 KOs) at a catch weight of 145 on Saturday in Fresno, California (DAZN), his first fight in almost 600 days.

“If there’s a good fight at 147, with a big name or a belt, I’d love that,” said Garcia, who was shut out by welterweight titleholder Errol Spence Jr. in March 2019. “I think I am better built and more developed for welterweight now than I was the first time around.

Mikey Garcia (left) and Sandor Martin on Thursday faced off at a news conference to promote their welterweight fight on Saturday. Ed Mulholland/Matchroom.

“I don’t see myself at lightweight ever again, but I can see 140. There are some very good names at the weight. Josh Taylor is a great champion. And if some of the guys at 135 look to move up, there’s so many big fights at 140.

“I just have to keep winning. Victory on Saturday and then getting another win against someone like Regis [Prograis], I think that should create enough attention to land a fight with Taylor. He’s the undisputed champion, and that’s the biggest fight that I could engage in at the weight of course.”

The Los Angeles-area product seemed to be leading candidate to face Manny Pacquiao but that fight didn’t materialize. He then moved onto talks with Prograis, who has talked about moving up from 140 to 147. However, those talks also fizzled.

Garcia is coming off a convincing decision over Jessie Vargas at 147 in February of last year, although the winner weighed in at 145¾ — the heaviest of his career.

“I wanted to stay at 147 to look at fighting for a world welterweight title,” he said. “We had discussed the Prograis fight at welterweight as he was considering moving up to 147. And on Saturday we were looking to have the fight at 147, but Sandor has been at 140 so we agreed on a 145 catchweight, which I am not thrilled about but it’s OK.

“I’ve never stepped on the scales at 147, I’ve been 144 or 145, so it’s the same to me. I want to have both options available. If there’s a chance to fight for a belt at welterweight, I am ready, but 140 is a more ideal weight for me at my size and body structure, it’s a more comfortable weight for me.

“I understand the boxing business, so I was disappointed the Regis fight didn’t happen, but we move on. I hope that we can make that fight happen soon. If things go well on Saturday and I win without any injuries or cuts, I’d want to pursue that fight straight away.

“That is a fight I want, the fans and media want it, but the scheduling and the promotional time needed to build a fight like that just wasn’t there.”

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Mikey Garcia can see himself pursuing a title at 147 or 140

Former four-division beltholder Mikey Garcia said he can see himself pursuing a title at 147 pounds or 140.

Mikey Garcia seemed to have been steadfast in his pursuit of a major title at 147 pounds, which would make him a five-division champion. However, the smallish welterweight is open to fighting for another belt at 140.

That would mean a meeting with undisputed junior welterweight titleholder Josh Taylor, assuming he remains champion.

Garcia (40-1, 30 KOs) is scheduled to face Sando Martin (38-2, 13 KOs) at a catch weight of 145 on Saturday in Fresno, California (DAZN), his first fight in almost 600 days.

“If there’s a good fight at 147, with a big name or a belt, I’d love that,” said Garcia, who was shut out by welterweight titleholder Errol Spence Jr. in March 2019. “I think I am better built and more developed for welterweight now than I was the first time around.

Mikey Garcia (left) and Sandor Martin on Thursday faced off at a news conference to promote their welterweight fight on Saturday. Ed Mulholland/Matchroom.

“I don’t see myself at lightweight ever again, but I can see 140. There are some very good names at the weight. Josh Taylor is a great champion. And if some of the guys at 135 look to move up, there’s so many big fights at 140.

“I just have to keep winning. Victory on Saturday and then getting another win against someone like Regis [Prograis], I think that should create enough attention to land a fight with Taylor. He’s the undisputed champion, and that’s the biggest fight that I could engage in at the weight of course.”

The Los Angeles-area product seemed to be leading candidate to face Manny Pacquiao but that fight didn’t materialize. He then moved onto talks with Prograis, who has talked about moving up from 140 to 147. However, those talks also fizzled.

Garcia is coming off a convincing decision over Jessie Vargas at 147 in February of last year, although the winner weighed in at 145¾ — the heaviest of his career.

“I wanted to stay at 147 to look at fighting for a world welterweight title,” he said. “We had discussed the Prograis fight at welterweight as he was considering moving up to 147. And on Saturday we were looking to have the fight at 147, but Sandor has been at 140 so we agreed on a 145 catchweight, which I am not thrilled about but it’s OK.

“I’ve never stepped on the scales at 147, I’ve been 144 or 145, so it’s the same to me. I want to have both options available. If there’s a chance to fight for a belt at welterweight, I am ready, but 140 is a more ideal weight for me at my size and body structure, it’s a more comfortable weight for me.

“I understand the boxing business, so I was disappointed the Regis fight didn’t happen, but we move on. I hope that we can make that fight happen soon. If things go well on Saturday and I win without any injuries or cuts, I’d want to pursue that fight straight away.

“That is a fight I want, the fans and media want it, but the scheduling and the promotional time needed to build a fight like that just wasn’t there.”

[lawrence-related id=24738,24713,6722]

Mikey Garcia hopes fight with Sandor Martin is first step back to top

Mikey Garcia hopes his fight with Sandor Martin on Saturday is the first step back to the top.

Mikey Garcia is determined to reclaim his place as one of boxing biggest stars.

The former four-division titleholder has been out of the ring since he outpointed Jessie Vargas in February of last year, almost 20 months ago. He was a candidate to face Manny Pacquiao and then Regis Prograis in major fights in the meantime but neither bout materialized.

That leaves Garcia (40-1, 30 KOs) with a return fight against obscure Sandor Martin on Saturday in Fresno, California (DAZN). Well, it’s a start.

“It’s been a year and a half since my last fight, so I am excited to get back in there,” Garcia said. “I am looking forward to giving my fans a chance to see me again, especially here in Cali. It’s my home state but I haven’t fought much here.

“I want to pursue big fights, title fights, and be recognized as one of the best fighters in the world once again. This is another step in that direction.”

Garcia is far removed from his best days, when he plowed through a series of respected opponents – Orlando Salido, Juan Manuel Lopez, Roman Martinez, Adrien Broner, Robert Easter and more – to win one title after another in dominating fashion.

That streak ended in one disastrous fight, a shutout loss to Errol Spence Jr. in Garcia’s debut as a welterweight in March 2019. He rebounded to knock down and beat Vargas but he wasn’t perceived the same.

Garcia appeared to be the leading candidate to face Pacquiao, which would’ve provided the opportunity to instantaneously rise back to the top. However, the Filipino opted to face Spence before ultimately fighting Yordenis Ugas when Spence suffered an eye injury in training.

And a potential meeting with Prograis never came to fruition because DAZN wasn’t willing to fund the fight without time to promote it properly, Garcia said.

That left him with Martin, a 28-year-old Spaniard who is on a nine-fight winning streak but has never faced anyone near Garcia’s ability and has fought only in Europe. Plus, the resident of Barcelona will be moving up from junior welterweight for the fight.

Still, Garcia sees Martin (38-2, 13 KOs) as a solid opponent.

“He is a very good fighter,” Garcia said. “He’s a southpaw. He’s relatively unknown in America, but worldwide and in the sport, people know him. He’s got a great record at 38-2, he’s hungry for a big opportunity like this and wants to capitalize on it.

“Sandor knows a win on Saturday would catapult his name into the mix for the fights that I want. I don’t think it’s going to be an easy night at all, but I am planning on fighting the very best Sandor Martin and I am going to show all my skills and show that I am a force to be reckoned with.”

Garcia probably won’t have too much trouble with Martin. Then we’ll see whether he can get a big fight.

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Mikey Garcia hopes fight with Sandor Martin is first step back to top

Mikey Garcia hopes his fight with Sandor Martin on Saturday is the first step back to the top.

Mikey Garcia is determined to reclaim his place as one of boxing biggest stars.

The former four-division titleholder has been out of the ring since he outpointed Jessie Vargas in February of last year, almost 20 months ago. He was a candidate to face Manny Pacquiao and then Regis Prograis in major fights in the meantime but neither bout materialized.

That leaves Garcia (40-1, 30 KOs) with a return fight against obscure Sandor Martin on Saturday in Fresno, California (DAZN). Well, it’s a start.

“It’s been a year and a half since my last fight, so I am excited to get back in there,” Garcia said. “I am looking forward to giving my fans a chance to see me again, especially here in Cali. It’s my home state but I haven’t fought much here.

“I want to pursue big fights, title fights, and be recognized as one of the best fighters in the world once again. This is another step in that direction.”

Garcia is far removed from his best days, when he plowed through a series of respected opponents – Orlando Salido, Juan Manuel Lopez, Roman Martinez, Adrien Broner, Robert Easter and more – to win one title after another in dominating fashion.

That streak ended in one disastrous fight, a shutout loss to Errol Spence Jr. in Garcia’s debut as a welterweight in March 2019. He rebounded to knock down and beat Vargas but he wasn’t perceived the same.

Garcia appeared to be the leading candidate to face Pacquiao, which would’ve provided the opportunity to instantaneously rise back to the top. However, the Filipino opted to face Spence before ultimately fighting Yordenis Ugas when Spence suffered an eye injury in training.

And a potential meeting with Prograis never came to fruition because DAZN wasn’t willing to fund the fight without time to promote it properly, Garcia said.

That left him with Martin, a 28-year-old Spaniard who is on a nine-fight winning streak but has never faced anyone near Garcia’s ability and has fought only in Europe. Plus, the resident of Barcelona will be moving up from junior welterweight for the fight.

Still, Garcia sees Martin (38-2, 13 KOs) as a solid opponent.

“He is a very good fighter,” Garcia said. “He’s a southpaw. He’s relatively unknown in America, but worldwide and in the sport, people know him. He’s got a great record at 38-2, he’s hungry for a big opportunity like this and wants to capitalize on it.

“Sandor knows a win on Saturday would catapult his name into the mix for the fights that I want. I don’t think it’s going to be an easy night at all, but I am planning on fighting the very best Sandor Martin and I am going to show all my skills and show that I am a force to be reckoned with.”

Garcia probably won’t have too much trouble with Martin. Then we’ll see whether he can get a big fight.

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Fight Week: Mike Garcia returns after 20 months to face obscure foe

FIGHT WEEK MIKEY GARCIA RETURNS AFTER A 20-MONTH LAYOFF TO FACE SANDOR MARTIN OF SPAIN ON SATURDAY. ALSO, ON FRIDAY, EMANUEL NAVARRETE WILL DEFEND HIS TITLE AGAINST JOET GONZALEZ. *** EMANUEL NAVARRETE (34-1, 29 KOs) VS. JOET GONZALEZ (24-1, 14 KOs) …

FIGHT WEEK

MIKEY GARCIA RETURNS AFTER A 20-MONTH LAYOFF TO FACE SANDOR MARTIN OF SPAIN ON SATURDAY. ALSO, ON FRIDAY, EMANUEL NAVARRETE WILL DEFEND HIS TITLE AGAINST JOET GONZALEZ.

***

EMANUEL NAVARRETE (34-1, 29 KOs) VS. JOET GONZALEZ (24-1, 14 KOs)

  • When: Friday, Oct. 15
  • Where: Pechanga Arena, San Diego
  • TV/Stream: ESPN+
  • Division: Featherweights
  • At stake: No titles
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: NA
  • Also on the card: Giovani Santillan vs. Angel Ruiz, welterweights
  • Prediction: Navarrete UD
  • Background: Navarrete is a two-division titleholder who will be making the second defense of his 126-pound belt, which he won by outpointing Ruben Villa when the title was vacant. The swarming volume puncher from Mexico City, who gradually wears his opponents down, established himself as an elite fighter by defeating Isaac Dogboe in consecutive fights in 2018 (UD) and 2019 (TKO 12). The first one was for the WBO 122-pound title. He successfully defended that belt five times before moving up to featherweight. The 26-year-old is coming off a 12th-round TKO of Christopher Diaz in April, a fight he was winning by a large margin at the time of the stoppage. Navarrete’s only loss came in his sixth pro fight, more than nine years ago. Gonzalez, a 27-year-old product of Los Angeles, might be best known for losing a wide decision to talented Shakur Stevenson in a fight for the vacant WBO 126-pound title, which Stevenson immediately vacated. However, Gonzalez is a good all-around fighter. He rebounded from the loss to Stevenson by easily outpoint veteran Miguel Marriaga and has other victories over solid opponents.

***

MIKEY GARCIA (40-1, 30 KOs) VS. SANDOR MARTIN (38-2, 13 KOs)

  • When: Saturday, Oct. 16
  • Where: Chukchansi Park, Fresno
  • TV/Stream: DAZN
  • Division: Welterweights
  • At stake: No titles
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: Garcia No. 11
  • Odds: NA
  • Also on the card: Elwin Soto vs. Jonathan Gonzalez, junior flyweights (for Soto’s WBO title); Esteban Bermudez vs. Jesse Rodriguez, junior flyweights
  • Prediction: Garcia KO 7
  • Background: Garcia was a prime candidate to face Manny Pacquiao but the Filipino star ended up fighting Yordenis Ugas. Then the former four-division titleholder was in talks to face Regis Prograis in what would’ve been a major fight but it didn’t happen. So now, just to keep busy, he’ll face a relatively unknown Spaniard and seek bigger and better challenges afterward. Garcia, 33, bounced back from his one-sided loss to Errol Spence Jr. in March 2019 to defeat veteran Jessie Vargas by a convincing decision in February of last year. That was his most-recent fight, meaning he will have been out of the ring for almost 20 months. He is ranked No. 3 by the WBO and No. 4 by the WBC. Martin, a 28-year-old from Barcelona, has a lot working against him. He has never faced anyone near Garcia’s ability, he’ll be fighting outside of Europe for the first time and he’s moving up in weight for the fight. He has won nine consecutive fights since losing a decision to Anthony Yigit in 2017 – including a decision over Kay Prospere in April, his last fight – but the streak figures to end in Fresno. On the undercard, Elwin Soto (19-1, 13 KOs) of Mexico will make the fourth defense of his WBO junior flyweight title against Puerto Rican resident Jonathan Gonzalez (24-3-1, 14 KOs).

Also fighting this weekend:

THURSDAY

  • Manuel Gallegos (18-1, 15 KOs) of Mexico will face countryman Gabriel Lopez (10-5-1, 7 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round super middleweight fight in Los Mochis, Mexico (UFC Fight Pass).

FRIDAY

  • Santiago Dominguez (24-0, 18 KOs) of Mexico will take on Jesus Antonio Rubio (13-4-1, 7 KOs), also of Mexico, in a scheduled 10-round welterweight bout in Los Mochis (UFC Fight Pass).

SATURDAY

  • IBF cruiserweight titleholder Mairis Briedis (27-1, 19 KOs) will defend his belt against Artur Mann (17-1, 9 KOs) of Kazakhstan in Riga, Latvia, Briedis’ home country.
  • Hughie Fury (25-3, 14 KOs) of England will face Christian Hammer (26-7, 16 KOs) of Romania in a scheduled 10-round heavyweight bout in Newcastle, England (Sky Sports in the U.K.). Also on that card, WBO middleweight titleholder Savannah Marshall (10-0, 8 KOs) of England will defend her belt against Lolita Muzeya (16-0, 8 KOs) of Zambia. And Chris Eubank Jr. (30-2, 22 KOs) of England will face Wanik Awdijan (28-1, 11 KOs) of Armenia in a scheduled 10-round middleweight bout.
  • New Yorker Cletus Seldin (25-1, 21 KOs) will fight William Silva (28-3, 16 KOs) of Brazil in a scheduled 10-round junior welterweight bout at Barclays Center in Brooklyn (FITE).

Fight Week: Mike Garcia returns after 20 months to face obscure foe

FIGHT WEEK MIKEY GARCIA RETURNS AFTER A 20-MONTH LAYOFF TO FACE SANDOR MARTIN OF SPAIN ON SATURDAY. ALSO, ON FRIDAY, EMANUEL NAVARRETE WILL DEFEND HIS TITLE AGAINST JOET GONZALEZ. *** EMANUEL NAVARRETE (34-1, 29 KOs) VS. JOET GONZALEZ (24-1, 14 KOs) …

FIGHT WEEK

MIKEY GARCIA RETURNS AFTER A 20-MONTH LAYOFF TO FACE SANDOR MARTIN OF SPAIN ON SATURDAY. ALSO, ON FRIDAY, EMANUEL NAVARRETE WILL DEFEND HIS TITLE AGAINST JOET GONZALEZ.

***

EMANUEL NAVARRETE (34-1, 29 KOs) VS. JOET GONZALEZ (24-1, 14 KOs)

  • When: Friday, Oct. 15
  • Where: Pechanga Arena, San Diego
  • TV/Stream: ESPN+
  • Division: Featherweights
  • At stake: No titles
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: NA
  • Also on the card: Giovani Santillan vs. Angel Ruiz, welterweights
  • Prediction: Navarrete UD
  • Background: Navarrete is a two-division titleholder who will be making the second defense of his 126-pound belt, which he won by outpointing Ruben Villa when the title was vacant. The swarming volume puncher from Mexico City, who gradually wears his opponents down, established himself as an elite fighter by defeating Isaac Dogboe in consecutive fights in 2018 (UD) and 2019 (TKO 12). The first one was for the WBO 122-pound title. He successfully defended that belt five times before moving up to featherweight. The 26-year-old is coming off a 12th-round TKO of Christopher Diaz in April, a fight he was winning by a large margin at the time of the stoppage. Navarrete’s only loss came in his sixth pro fight, more than nine years ago. Gonzalez, a 27-year-old product of Los Angeles, might be best known for losing a wide decision to talented Shakur Stevenson in a fight for the vacant WBO 126-pound title, which Stevenson immediately vacated. However, Gonzalez is a good all-around fighter. He rebounded from the loss to Stevenson by easily outpoint veteran Miguel Marriaga and has other victories over solid opponents.

***

MIKEY GARCIA (40-1, 30 KOs) VS. SANDOR MARTIN (38-2, 13 KOs)

  • When: Saturday, Oct. 16
  • Where: Chukchansi Park, Fresno
  • TV/Stream: DAZN
  • Division: Welterweights
  • At stake: No titles
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: Garcia No. 11
  • Odds: NA
  • Also on the card: Elwin Soto vs. Jonathan Gonzalez, junior flyweights (for Soto’s WBO title); Esteban Bermudez vs. Jesse Rodriguez, junior flyweights
  • Prediction: Garcia KO 7
  • Background: Garcia was a prime candidate to face Manny Pacquiao but the Filipino star ended up fighting Yordenis Ugas. Then the former four-division titleholder was in talks to face Regis Prograis in what would’ve been a major fight but it didn’t happen. So now, just to keep busy, he’ll face a relatively unknown Spaniard and seek bigger and better challenges afterward. Garcia, 33, bounced back from his one-sided loss to Errol Spence Jr. in March 2019 to defeat veteran Jessie Vargas by a convincing decision in February of last year. That was his most-recent fight, meaning he will have been out of the ring for almost 20 months. He is ranked No. 3 by the WBO and No. 4 by the WBC. Martin, a 28-year-old from Barcelona, has a lot working against him. He has never faced anyone near Garcia’s ability, he’ll be fighting outside of Europe for the first time and he’s moving up in weight for the fight. He has won nine consecutive fights since losing a decision to Anthony Yigit in 2017 – including a decision over Kay Prospere in April, his last fight – but the streak figures to end in Fresno. On the undercard, Elwin Soto (19-1, 13 KOs) of Mexico will make the fourth defense of his WBO junior flyweight title against Puerto Rican resident Jonathan Gonzalez (24-3-1, 14 KOs).

Also fighting this weekend:

THURSDAY

  • Manuel Gallegos (18-1, 15 KOs) of Mexico will face countryman Gabriel Lopez (10-5-1, 7 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round super middleweight fight in Los Mochis, Mexico (UFC Fight Pass).

FRIDAY

  • Santiago Dominguez (24-0, 18 KOs) of Mexico will take on Jesus Antonio Rubio (13-4-1, 7 KOs), also of Mexico, in a scheduled 10-round welterweight bout in Los Mochis (UFC Fight Pass).

SATURDAY

  • IBF cruiserweight titleholder Mairis Briedis (27-1, 19 KOs) will defend his belt against Artur Mann (17-1, 9 KOs) of Kazakhstan in Riga, Latvia, Briedis’ home country.
  • Hughie Fury (25-3, 14 KOs) of England will face Christian Hammer (26-7, 16 KOs) of Romania in a scheduled 10-round heavyweight bout in Newcastle, England (Sky Sports in the U.K.). Also on that card, WBO middleweight titleholder Savannah Marshall (10-0, 8 KOs) of England will defend her belt against Lolita Muzeya (16-0, 8 KOs) of Zambia. And Chris Eubank Jr. (30-2, 22 KOs) of England will face Wanik Awdijan (28-1, 11 KOs) of Armenia in a scheduled 10-round middleweight bout.
  • New Yorker Cletus Seldin (25-1, 21 KOs) will fight William Silva (28-3, 16 KOs) of Brazil in a scheduled 10-round junior welterweight bout at Barclays Center in Brooklyn (FITE).