Former four-weight world champion Mikey Garcia 40-1 (30) returns to the ring for the first time since February last year when he takes on Spanish southpaw and European junior welterweight champion Sandor Martin 38-2 (13) at Chukchansi Park in Fresno, California on Saturday night.
The bout will be contested at a catchweight of 145-pounds and will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN.
In his last bout the 33-year-old Garcia outpointed Jessie Vargas in his second bout at welterweight following his 12-round loss to current WBC and IBF champion Errol Spence Jr 27-0 (21) in March 2019.
“It’s been a year and a half since my last fight, so I am excited to get back in there,” said Garcia. “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.”
Part of the reason Garcia was sidelined for so long is due to the protracted negotiations for a fight against Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao 62-8-2 (39). That bout ultimately fell through and attempts to make a fight against former WBA junior welterweight champion Regis Prograis 26-1 (22) ultimately went nowhere.
“I was interested in Manny and Regis, but we weren’t able to get those fights and we landed on Sandor Martin, and 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 capitalise 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.
“I’ve experienced so many styles in my career, I’ve boxed several southpaws and sparred countless lefties. He’s a tricky one, he uses his height and reach, so I must be prepared to overcome those strengths he has – a good jab, good straight left, his ring generalship is good – so I need to be able to attack properly but also be wary in defense.
“I don’t experience pressure. No matter who I fight I am there to do my job and that’s it – I have already won the fight multiple times in my head and that’s it. You only feel pressure if you are unsure of yourself and I’ve never felt that, so I am confident I will win and look good doing it.”
