Danny Garcia and the Barclays Center: A Farewell to Brooklyn with History

Danny García Says Goodbye to Brooklyn: A Look Back at His Memorable Fights at the Barclays Center

Danny García, a pugilist from Philadelphia, has forged a solid connection with the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, that has transcended sports. In this arena, where he has built a second home for his career, García is preparing for his tenth and final fight, an event titled “Farewell to Brooklyn”. With 37 years old and a career that has led him to achieve 37 victories and only 4 defeats, Garcia is getting ready to star in this evening that also promotes, against Daniel Gonzalez.

For me, being able to promote my last fight at the Barclay Center and do it because I want to, not because I have to, means a lot. It’s a dream come true and I couldn’t ask for a better ending.

Danny García

García’s Puerto Rican influence has been key in turning the Barclays into a second home, and now, he has the opportunity to organize his own farewell.

Below, an analysis of his nine performances at the Barclays Center, with Garcia’s memories of each fight:

• TKO4 victory against Erik Morales (October 20, 2012)

García was chosen to inaugurate the Barclays Center with a boxing event, facing the Mexican legend Morales. In 2012, he had already defeated Morales by unanimous decision, winning the vacant WBC super lightweight title, and three months later, he added the WBA title by defeating Amir Khan.

Although New York was not García’s first choice, his Puerto Rican heritage provided him with a special environment at the Barclays.

I remember I really wanted to fight in Philadelphia. At first, I was wondering why I was going to Brooklyn, but I never thought about the millions of Puerto Ricans who live in New York, the diversity of the hip hop community, and all the boxing fans. It was the perfect marriage.

Danny García

In the fourth round, a left hook from Garcia defined the fight, sending Morales to the canvas and sealing the victory.Garcia’s Ranking: 1

• Victory by UD12 against Zab Judah (April 27, 2013)

In his second fight at the Barclays, García faced Zab Judah, former Brooklyn champion. The rivalry between the two generated great interest.

Judah felt disrespected in his hometown, Brooklyn, so he couldn’t allow anyone to come to his hometown and disrespect him. My father made a lot of provocations, and he retaliated. That’s what it was about.

Danny García

García dominated the fight, knocking down Judah in the eighth round and securing the victory by decision.

Many people said that I was static and only hit hard when entering that fight. I loved having the opportunity to prove that I had more in the toolbox as a young champion with beautiful timing and a great counterpunch against an elusive boxer.

Danny García

Garcia’s Rating: 2

• Loss to Keith Thurman by split decision (March 4, 2017)

Despite the defeat, García considers this fight as one of his best moments in Brooklyn. Thurman won by split decision in a nationally televised event.

It was difficult to swallow the pill of losing that fight, but now that I remember it, it was a hellish night for boxing.

Danny García

Garcia’s Rating: 3

• Majority decision victory against Lamont Peterson (April 11, 2015)

This fight took place at a catchweight of 143 pounds. García, who was coming off a controversial victory against Mauricio Herrera, and Peterson, looking to bounce back from a loss to Lucas Matthysse, faced each other in a duel marked by tenacity.

It’s good that he didn’t know I wasn’t feeling well. I had to dig deep and go to a place I’d never been mentally before to finish that fight because I had no energy.

Danny García

García managed to prevail, securing the victory by majority decision.Garcia’s Rating: 5

• Majority decision victory against Jose Benavidez Jr. (July 30, 2022)

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Danny Garcia is back in the win column with a majority decision victory over Jose Benavidez Jr.

Garcia said his post-fight speech was the most memorable moment. pic.twitter.com/lWp8T8pT8Q

— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) July 31, 2022

Although it wasn’t his best performance, the fight stood out for García’s personal overcoming.

I was coming out of anxiety and depression for almost two years after the defeat against Errol Spence Jr. I didn’t think I would fight again.

Danny García

García, debuting in the super welterweight division, demonstrated his mental fortitude. His post-fight speech was especially moving.

Things got dark. I went through anxiety, deep depression, just trying to be strong. And the only way to get better was to fight again. I am a fighter.

Danny García

Garcia’s Rating: 6

• TKO9 victory against Paulie Malignaggi (August 1, 2015)

García faced a boxer from Brooklyn, Paulie Malignaggi, again in the welterweight division. Although Malignaggi was no longer at his best, García dominated the fight.

Although I stopped him in his backyard, it wasn’t a very anticipated fight. It was just a fight against a former world champion.

Danny García

Garcia’s Rating: 7

• TKO2 victory against Rod Salka (August 9, 2014)

This fight was a clear mismatch, but Garcia achieved a quick victory. The knockout in the second round is remembered as one of the best of his career.

I received a lot of heat for that fight. But that knockout lives with me forever.

Danny García

Garcia’s Rating: 4

• Victory by UD12 against Ivan Redkach (January 25, 2020)

García took advantage of this fight to stay active after his defeat against Shawn Porter.

It was either fight Redkach or wait until April to fight Spence. I wasn’t sure if Spence would return, but I decided to fight a southpaw just to stay in shape.

Danny García

García dominated Redkach, securing a unanimous decision victory.Garcia’s Rating: 9

• Loss to Shawn Porter by UD12 (September 8, 2018)

In a fight for the vacant WBC title, Garcia lost by unanimous decision, a result that did not leave him satisfied.

That was my worst fight. That defeat has never sat well with me. I thought I won the fight. It wasn’t my most brilliant performance, but I thought I landed the cleaner shots. I just felt I was better than him and I didn’t get the decision.

Danny García

Garcia’s Rating: 8