Danny Garcia: Ranking of His 9 Fights at the Barclays Center

Danny Garcia Bids Farewell to Brooklyn: A Look Back at His Memorable Fights at the Barclays Center

Boxer Danny Garcia, a native of Philadelphia, has forged a second home at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. With his career coming to an end at 37 years old, Garcia is preparing for his tenth and final fight in this arena, an event titled “Farewell to Brooklyn,” of which he is also the promoter. His final encounter will be against Daniel Gonzalez.

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 to me. It’s a dream come true and I couldn’t ask for a better ending.

Danny Garcia

The Puerto Rican-descended boxer has made the Barclays his home, and is proud to say goodbye in this iconic venue. Below, an analysis of his nine previous fights in this arena, according to Garcia himself:

• 1. Technical knockout victory in the fourth round against Erik Morales (October 20, 2012)

Garcia was chosen to headline the first boxing event in Brooklyn in 81 years, facing Mexican legend Morales. In 2012, Garcia had already defeated Morales by unanimous decision to win the vacant WBC super lightweight title. Three months later, he added the WBA title by defeating Amir Khan.

Although he initially preferred to fight in Philadelphia, the connection with the Puerto Rican community of New York made the Barclays his home. The fight against Morales culminated a successful year for Garcia, who achieved an impressive technical knockout in the fourth round with a left hook that sent Morales to the canvas. “It was the perfect night,” Garcia commented.

• 2. Unanimous decision victory against Zab Judah (April 27, 2013)

In his second fight at the Barclays, Garcia faced Zab Judah, former Brooklyn champion. The rivalry between the two generated great expectation. Garcia dominated the fight, knocking Judah down in the eighth round and securing the victory by unanimous decision. “The atmosphere, the animosity, the crowd, everything was electrifying,” Garcia recalled.

• 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. Thurman took the victory by split decision in a nationally televised match. Garcia, although aggressive, could not keep up the pace against a Thurman in great shape. “It was an incredible night for boxing,” Garcia stated.

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

The fight was held at a catchweight of 143 pounds. Garcia, who wasn’t feeling physically well, had to push himself to the limit to overcome Peterson. Garcia set the pace at the beginning, while Peterson reacted in the second half, generating exciting exchanges. Garcia achieved victory by majority decision.

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

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@DannySwift with a message for those battling mental health ❤️

The former world champion earned a decision victory over Jose Benavidez Jr. in his return to the ring. pic.twitter.com/dG6r6u876I

— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) July 31, 2022

Although it wasn’t one of his best performances in the ring, the highlight was Garcia’s message after the fight. After overcoming anxiety and depression, Garcia returned to the ring and defeated Benavidez. “I had to fight against anxiety and depression. I am a fighter,” Garcia said. His message resonated with many fans.

• 6. Technical knockout victory in the ninth round against Paulie Malignaggi (August 1, 2015)

Garcia faced another Brooklyn boxer, Paulie Malignaggi, at welterweight. Garcia dominated the fight, punishing Malignaggi with powerful punches and achieving victory by technical KO in the ninth round. “Although I stopped him in his backyard, it wasn’t a highly anticipated fight,” Garcia commented.

• 7. Technical knockout victory in the second round against Rod Salka (August 9, 2014)

Garcia and ESPN have different opinions on the relevance of this fight. Salka, a low-level opponent, was outmatched by Garcia, who knocked him down three times in the second round, culminating in a spectacular knockout. “That knockout lives with me forever,” Garcia stated.

• 8. Unanimous decision victory against Ivan Redkach (January 25, 2020)

After his defeat to Shawn Porter, Garcia sought to regain his path to the title. He was originally going to face Errol Spence Jr., but a car accident prevented it. Garcia chose to fight Redkach to stay active. “I gave him a pretty easy beating,” said Garcia.

• 9. Unanimous decision loss against Shawn Porter (September 8, 2018)

Garcia lost a close fight for the WBC title against Porter by unanimous decision. “It was my worst fight,” Garcia admitted. Porter imposed his rhythm, forcing Garcia to react. Despite the hard blows, Porter maintained his offense and took the victory. “I didn’t feel good about that loss,” Garcia concluded.