Danny García Says Goodbye to Brooklyn: A Look Back at His Memorable Fights at the Barclays Center
Danny García, a native of Philadelphia, has forged a special bond with the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, turning it into his second home in boxing. With his professional career nearing its end at 37 years old, García is preparing for his tenth and final fight in this emblematic arena, an event dubbed “Farewell to Brooklyn”, of which he is also a promoter.
“For me, being able to promote my last fight at the Barclays Center and doing it because I want to, not because I have to, means a lot,” García stated. “It’s a dream come true and I couldn’t ask for a better ending.”
Danny García
García’s connection with Brooklyn is strengthened by his Puerto Rican roots, which has allowed him to feel at home in this setting. Below, an analysis of his nine previous performances at the Barclays Center, with comments from García himself.
1. Technical Knockout Victory over Erik Morales (October 20, 2012)
García was chosen to headline the first boxing event in Brooklyn in 81 years, facing Mexican legend Erik Morales. In 2012, García had already defeated Morales by unanimous decision, winning the vacant WBC super lightweight title, and adding the WBA title three months later by defeating Amir Khan.
The rematch with Morales marked a successful year for Garcia, although New York was not necessarily the city where he wanted to fight. However, his Puerto Rican heritage helped him turn the Barclays into his home. In the fourth round, Garcia connected a perfect left hook that sent Morales to the canvas, marking a memorable knockout.
“It was the perfect night,” García recalled. “The first fight at the Barclays and I defended my titles with a spectacular knockout. You can’t ask for much more.”
Danny GarcíaGarcia’s Classification: 1
2. Unanimous decision victory over Zab Judah (April 27, 2013)
In his second fight at the Barclays, García invaded the territory of Zab “Super” Judah, former Brooklyn champion. The rivalry between the two was intense, with Judah feeling disrespected in his own city. The fight was an exchange of blows, with García taking the lead and knocking Judah down in the eighth round, but he had to withstand an attempted comeback by the former champion.
“Many people said I was static and that I only hit hard,” García commented. “I loved having the opportunity to show that I had more resources, with great timing and an excellent counterattack against a skilled boxer.”
Danny García
García’s Rating: 2
3. Split decision loss against Keith Thurman (March 4, 2017)
Despite the defeat, Garcia considers this fight as one of his best moments in Brooklyn. He lost by a close decision against Thurman in a nationally televised fight. Thurman boxed well and combined his power punches, preventing Garcia from taking the lead. Although Garcia closed the fight strongly, Thurman took the victory by split decision.
“It was difficult to accept the defeat, but now that I think about it, it was a great night for boxing,” said Garcia.
Danny Garcia
Garcia’s Rating: 3
4. Majority decision victory over Lamont Peterson (April 11, 2015)
The fight was contested at a catchweight of 143 pounds, as Garcia couldn’t make the 140-pound weight. Garcia, with health problems, had to push himself to the limit to win. He started strong, pressing and working Peterson’s body, who reacted in the second half of the fight, generating exciting exchanges.
“I had to push myself and get to a mental place I had never been to in order to finish that fight because I had no energy,” Garcia revealed.
Danny Garcia
Garcia’s Rating: 5
5. Majority decision victory over Jose Benavidez Jr. (July 30, 2022)
Although it wasn’t one of García’s best performances in the ring, the highlight was his post-fight speech, where he revealed his struggle with anxiety and depression.
“I went through anxiety, deep depression, trying to be strong,” García confessed. “The only way to get better was to fight again. I am a fighter.”
Danny García
García’s Rating: 6
6. Technical Knockout Victory over Paulie Malignaggi (August 1, 2015)
García faced another Brooklyn boxer, Malignaggi, in the welterweight division. García dominated the fight, punishing Malignaggi with power punches. Although Malignaggi was no longer at his best, García achieved a resounding victory.
“Although I stopped him in his city, it wasn’t a highly anticipated fight,” García commented. “It was just a fight against a former world champion.”
Danny García
García’s Rating: 7
7. Technical Knockout Victory over Rod Salka (August 9, 2014)
García achieved a spectacular KO over Salka in the second round. Despite the criticism for the pairing, García enjoyed the way the fight ended, with a memorable knockout.
“I was heavily criticized for that fight,” García said. “But that knockout lives with me forever.”
Danny GarcíaGarcia’s Rating: 4
8. Unanimous decision victory over Ivan Redkach (January 25, 2020)
After his defeat against Shawn Porter, Garcia sought to regain his path to the title. The fight against Redkach served as preparation, and Garcia dominated his opponent, who held on until the end.
“I beat him pretty easily,” García stated. “The fans came and I did what I had to do.”
Danny García
Garcia’s Rating: 9
9. Unanimous decision defeat against Shawn Porter (September 8, 2018)
García lost by unanimous decision in a very disputed fight for the vacant WBC title. Although the fight was entertaining, García was not satisfied with his performance.
“It was my worst fight,” García admitted. “That defeat never sat well with me. I felt like I won the fight.”
