It appears a matchup with Spence is really on the table and not just talk. If this guy can win a belt at 140, unify at 135 and challenge Spence for his title at 147 in one year he gets my vote for fighter of the year win or lose.
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It appears a matchup with Spence is really on the table and not just talk. If this guy can win a belt at 140, unify at 135 and challenge Spence for his title at 147 in one year he gets my vote for fighter of the year win or lose.
Garcia would be a great if he did all that.
I would be happy with with him doing one of those things.
A boss, should be dropped as a gratuitory term. No way this fight happens though, gross physical mismatch. Garcia is far better than Lipinets, but the size difference told massively in that fight. Spence is a really big welter with crazy physicality.
I agree, but in a way I hope it doesn’t happen. Reason being that if (when) he loses, casual fans will downgrade him not realising the enormity of the challenge.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron Swanson
If he did fight him and won.........Wow!
As high of regard as I hold Mikey, he would just be overmatched. Spence is just too big. Honestly, 140 is wide open and once Mikey unifies at lightweight, there will be some interesting matchups at for him at 140.
A massive Bridge too far for me. Honestly for as top notch as Garcia is he or those advising him come off very scattered. Just a couple of weeks ago they were all about 135 and the talks of Loma had fans drooling. Just pick a path son and deal with what's in front of you first and foremost ;D. He was pushing it physically at even 140 and getting clipped with more shots than needed. I don't think it's a smart move to ping pong around divisions especially when it comes to a one man wrecking crew like Spence jr just hitting his stride and who knocks jr middles or higher around in sparring. Bad night all over for Garcia.
I agree it looks scattered, and a Loma fight would be the dream fight. But Arum has been quite clear he isn’t going to make that fight.
And I agree it’s a bridge too far. But that’s exactly why Mikey wants it, because everyone says he shouldn’t.
Just in this era where everyone looks for the path of least resistance I respect a guy who could camp out at 135 and dominate making good money saying “you say I can’t beat this guy, then I want him”.
Some are saying the exact same of Loma right now who just barged in and crashed on Mikeys couch. Like to see him try to clean his own house out.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron Swanson
I don’t really understand. We know Loma is out with an injury. We know after that he has unification in mind because TR will always do in house first. Mikey can unify and fight Spence before Loma has done these things.Quote:
Originally Posted by SpicoliSome are saying the exact same of Loma right now who just barged in and crashed on Mikeys couch. Like to see him try to clean his own house out.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron Swanson
Then a Mikey/Loma fight lines up perfectly if TR is willing to do it. We know for a fact they are not willing to do it now because they said so. Do you suggest Mikey goes back on the shelf waiting on TR?
All with unifying and Loma will probably got Beltran route. Honestly don't think he makes it back to a huge Loma-Arum event after Spence jr in what I personally think is sure defeat and pretty costly on his body. In time it takes Mikey to unify, and he'll be moving away from a now recovered Loma, Spence jr will have 147 sorting out all around him.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron SwansonI don’t really understand. We know Loma is out with an injury. We know after that he has unification in mind because TR will always do in house first. Mikey can unify and fight Spence before Loma has done these things.Quote:
Originally Posted by SpicoliSome are saying the exact same of Loma right now who just barged in and crashed on Mikeys couch. Like to see him try to clean his own house out.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron Swanson
Then a Mikey/Loma fight lines up perfectly if TR is willing to do it. We know for a fact they are not willing to do it now because they said so. Do you suggest Mikey goes back on the shelf waiting on TR?
I'd love to see the fight happen, Mikey would gets huge props. Don't see it happening tho. More of a publicity thing I think.
Could Mikey fight Linares before a Loma clash?
I don't think Garcia should venture much higher than 140.
Loma is doing rehab then a December fight(Beltran) I thought.
Garcia is looking at Easter then a December fight vs Spence.
Seems like it lines up well. Depending on how long Garcia holds up vs Spence. If he could survive 12 rounds without getting battered he walks away a bigger star even with an L.
For Spence I’d rather see a good WW, I’m only considering Mikey’s side. I’d rather not see guys jump 2 classes and get beat on size. Just, I don’t think Mikey has the same financial motivation others have had as Mikey already gets paid well. If he did it it would be because he believes he can win. Whether right or far more likely very wrong.
But fighting for 4 belts in 3 weight classes in one year would be a feat is all I’m really getting at.
That would definitely be some feat.
And imagine if he won.
He could be the modern day Henry Armstrong
It ain't going to happen but will make up for the lost time.
Spence versus Garcia is nuts. He didn't look unbeatable against Lipinets, 140 looks too much for him. 147 against a massive welterweight who might be at 154 soon is crazy. I hope this is just him getting publicity.
Mikey Garcia says "I definitely do get excited for a fight against Errol Spence"
https://s.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/r6...f333724935cdf2
In the lead-up to his fight in March vs. Sergey Lipinets, Mikey Garcia started discussing a showdown against IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. The boxing public thought Garcia was biting off a little bit too much considering he hadn't yet even stepped inside the ring with the IBF junior welterweight champion. Garcia had the last laugh that night, dominating throughout to capture the 140-pound belt and win his fourth world title in four different weight classes.
After the fight, Garcia vacated the title and decided to move back to down to 135 pounds to defend his WBC title on July 28 in a title unification bout vs. WBA champion Robert Easter Jr. If Garcia emerges victorious then he will pursue a Spence fight in December because of the high stakes it would bring, and the will to be the best.
"I definitely do get excited for a fight against Errol Spence," Garcia tells Sporting News. "That would be an exciting fight for me because it’s a big challenge. It would be the biggest challenge of my career. I’m already fighting guys at 140 and I can tell the size advantage they have over me and it is a significant one. That’s part of being a fighter and part of my challenge to myself. I want to take on those challenges and moving up even more to 147 pounds and being in the welterweight division, I’m not just going to go in there and just face a contender."
Garcia (38-0, 30 KOs) has never competed at 147 pounds. He's mainly competed at featherweight along with three fights at junior lightweight, two at junior welterweight and one at lightweight.
Why would Garcia want to jump up two weight divisions and battle one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world and perhaps the best pure boxer in the sport?
"It’s just the fact that people count me out and people don’t think I’m big or good enough," Garcia explains. "I get to prove people wrong and display my skills to show the world how great of a fighter I am. If I just go out and make title defenses against contenders, that’s fine. There’s no problem in doing that. But, I’m expected to win those and that doesn't excite me. When it’s a tougher fight and a big challenge that people might expect me to lose, that’s what excites and motivates me. And that’s why I’m willing to move up to two divisions.
"That’s why I moved up to 140 pounds and that’s why I actually was considering the Miguel Cotto fight last year. It didn't work out and the negotiations didn't go well, so we didn't get that fight, but I was willing and serious about moving up. I’m very serious about moving up to welterweight and challenge for a title there. Some people don’t think I’m serious and that’s ok because when I do get the opportunity and I do jump up to welterweight, I’m going to surprise a lot of people. Hopefully it is Errol Spence because that’s the one that excites me the most and I would love that opportunity."
Before he can start negotiations for a Spence fight, Garcia has to get through a tough test in the unbeaten Easter (21-0, 14 KOs). The four-division world champion realizes the challenge in front of him. It's fights like this he wants for the remainder of his career.
"I want big fights, that’s all I want," Garcia says. "I want to be in title fights and defeating champions like Robert Easter and give the fans the exciting fights to look forward to. "I want to fight the best guys, the champions and that includes Errol Spence. I would love that opportunity. I think it’s very possible we can make it happen."
https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/ant...144700641.html
Thinking more on it I think it's crazy talk now. Almost comes off as a self righteous diva reading his press well ahead of time. And why should Spence cater to a puffed up lightweight who's basing his welterweight prospects on trouncing a Broner who still hasn't won a big fight. Just look at his frame at 140? When your hips are nearly as wide as your shoulders you might want to put the brakes on. Like Spence is just some belt warming chump needing to bask in Mikey's shadow while his 147 division is a shark tank. Division leaping has always jacked my jaw. Spence hammers him like a nail.
I doubt Spence gives him the time of day unless Garcia fights a legit contender at welterweight and beats him.
I love Mikey but also feel Spence may be a step to far. It would be great tho to see a fighter challenging themselves like this, if it's not just talk and promotion.
Spence might be to much but what about the Pac/ Matthysee winner? It gives Mikey another title in another weight division and still builds towards a Spence fight.
If Garcia really is serious about the fight then Spence will take it in a flash. It's an easy fight for him and a big event due to Garcia moving up so much in weight. It'll be on Showtime for decent money too.Quote:
Originally Posted by powerpuncher
Still feel like it won’t happen? They’re both talking about it nowQuote:
Originally Posted by Master
I love it when people take huge risks, but I think it’s a step too far. I think there are good fights at 140 for him. If he really wants to go up to welter, he needs to fight a top 10 guy first to prove that he can hang with other fighters at the weight. If he can, I’m all for the fight.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron SwansonStill feel like it won’t happen? They’re both talking about it nowQuote:
Originally Posted by Master
Mikey is a hell of a fighter but he is not serious about a fight with Spence..keeps his name in the headlines..that’s all that matters.
Why doesn’t he call out a smaller welter in Crawford..?
We would all prefer a fight with Lomachenko..why not make that fight?
Loma and Crawford are with Arum, that is why.Quote:
Originally Posted by imp
Been busy at work so I haven’t been on here as much as I’d like recently. Seems like things have changed to a degree. Are we REALLY bashing Mikey Garcia for fighting Errol Spence and not Crawford or Lima?!?!?!
I think Spence is a bridge too far for the smaller and less athletic Garcia, but that just makes me admire Mikey’s desire to be great and fight the best. We always whine and complain about guys avoiding tough competition and not taking chances. Well, this is what it looks like when a guy dares to be great.
I like both guys and hope that regardless of who wins neither suffers serious injury and both continue to push themselves and search out the best. Just like when Pac Man went on his tear during his prime, enjoy these two while you can.
I honestly don't see anyone "bashing" Garcia, as everyone is singing his praises. I think everyone's just being realistic about Garcia's chances against an elite fighter two divisions above him, especially when there are other daunting challenges before that. In this day and age of people moving up 3 and 4 weight divisions, this is nothing new. But guys normally don't skip divisions on the way up. Just 'cause Khan and Brook went on suicide missions against Ginger and GGG, respectively, doesn't mean it's a wise, sensible boxing move.
Using an extreme example, imagine Garcia wanting to fight AJ or Wilder. I would guess that we would all think that it was beyond ridiculous because he would have absolutely no chance of winning. Even if he wanted to achieve greatness, it would turn into a sideshow rather than boxing.Quote:
Originally Posted by mikeeod
I’m not saying Garcia vs Spence is at all to that extreme, but daring to be great needs to be realistically great. It’s not impossible for Garcia to win, but extremely improbable IMO. If he could just prove that he could beat at least one top welter, then I would be alright with the fight.
If this were back in the 40’s or 50’s, I would have no problem with it. People moved throughout weight classes a lot and fought a ton. The problem now is that it is almost a waste of a fight where he could be fighting other good fighters at his weight.
I’m a huge Garcia fan, but this is just a step too far right now for him.
Beat me to it. On one hand today's fighters are supposed to be better, yet they sniffle of the thought of being outweighed by 4-10lbs.Quote:
Originally Posted by powerpuncher
Yep some of the best have done well in 5 or more weights.Quote:
Originally Posted by TAPugilBeat me to it. On one hand today's fighters are supposed to be better, yet they sniffle of the thought of being outweighed by 4-10lbs.Quote:
Originally Posted by powerpuncher
I'm a big Mikey fan, I'd prefer he didn't fight Spence next (I'd prefer Loma) but if he does, I will support him. A win makes him an ATG I'd say.
I think we all would prefer Loma, but again Arum said “we absolutely will not negotiate with Garcia”. To talk about Garcia/Loma is pointless, it won’t happen unless Garcia becomes a PPV draw. Then Bob could possibly be moved on the issue.
Spence will wreck Garcia.
Mikey wants a mega fight and I totally get that. It's deserved and he's done nothing but win. But I think that's what a lot of the talk is about. Not to long ago what, he was talking about fighting Cotto. Didn't he balk at Golden boy too? I mean at some point in this boxing swamp you have to deal with people you may not be able to stomach. At least to a degree. Spence is simple convenience with same network, promotions and evidently an available date. But I wouldn't pay for it, not a dollar. What gets me is the Showtime announce team and Spence talk about a potential Mikey 'event' like it's a showcase side project as they sit there hyping Spence unification early next year with Garcia v Porter winner???. Again same network etc.
I don't know about trinket collecting legitimizing a guy as one of an era. Many many guys have won multiple division belts. Crazy thing is Mikey wins them and until last Saturday he has walked away from them. Mikey is a fantastic talent and a genuinely straight forward guy but I look at 140 on that 5'6 frame and he's simply not bulking on 147+ and walking onto Spence like he did Easter and Lipinets. It'll end brutally for him.
Again, my main problem is wasted time. Unlike 70 years ago, top fighters only fight at most 3 times a year. Many times only 2. If Mikey would fight 6 times and one of them was Spence, I would have zero problem with it. He would still have other good fights and the Spence fight wouldn’t interfere with his career.
I just feel that he loses to Spence then has to take a tune up back down to 140 and get his career back on track. I believe it will waste at least a year in his career especially since he already lost a few not too long ago.
That 8/9 fight stretch for Mikey is looking pretty decent. Starting with Salido to win a 126 title, 2 fights later Roman Martinez to win a 130 title, 3 fights later Zlaticanin for a 135 title, 2 fights later Lipnets for a 140 title, then next fight a lightweight unification.
Mikey is completely willing to deal with them. He just isn’t willing to sign extended promotion contracts beyond the fight he works with them. That is completely fair.Quote:
Originally Posted by Spicoli
I’m not sure why Mikey should have to sell his career to get a fight. Frankly, it’s extortion by the promoters.
You're right in what you say, but this is nothing new . I admire Garcia standing his ground, and I really like him as a Boxer and his attitude. But more often than not , there comes a time , like @Spicoli said that you have to make a deal you would rather not . Even Floyd had to take a high finance risk by buying himself out of a contract , and it worked for him , but not everybody is Floyd.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron SwansonMikey is completely willing to deal with them. He just isn’t willing to sign extended promotion contracts beyond the fight he works with them. That is completely fair.Quote:
Originally Posted by Spicoli
I’m not sure why Mikey should have to sell his career to get a fight. Frankly, it’s extortion by the promoters.
what I Don't agree with is that @Spicoli said he wouldn't pay a Dollar for it. I would definitely pay for it.
No fighter should be swindled into a long term binding deal for the sake of one weekend, we learned that from King. Mikey says completely willing, Arum has said he'll make an offer, and around and around we go. What I want is to see some desire from both Loma and Mikey regarding one of the better match ups of this era..in a proper weight class. Call out Arum and show some fire for a legitimate mega fight instead of the default 'whelp dad says no so forget it'. Fans get tired of that and I'm hard pressed to think of many top 'elites' who are given instant slack while their best match up falls by the wayside.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron SwansonMikey is completely willing to deal with them. He just isn’t willing to sign extended promotion contracts beyond the fight he works with them. That is completely fair.Quote:
Originally Posted by Spicoli
I’m not sure why Mikey should have to sell his career to get a fight. Frankly, it’s extortion by the promoters.
An impressive run no doubt. Even more so considering he topped Salido prior to him getting the W over Loma. You cannot fault a guy for winning and Mikey does it in top notch fashion. But as said many guys being called 'future greats' collect trinkets and then can just bounce a division. We see it often. I don't put a lot of stock in Zlaticanin at 135 and while Lipinets is talented that was again a trinket grab vs a guy he was favored to beat. Again all the power to him but imo true legacy isn't measured by a belt count.Quote:
Originally Posted by Alpha