It's Now or Never for Danny "Swift"

There comes a time in a boxer’s career where opportunity is most advantageous.  Sure, every fight is a chance to help build a reputation or brand, but only certain fighters reach a point in their career where their next performance can dictate whether or not they are special. 

Courtesy of superluchas.net

Danny “Swift” Garcia (27-0, 16 KO’s) may have solidified his stature as a special fighter after his brilliant performance against Lucas Matthysse (34-3-0-1, 32 KO’s).  Coming off a unanimous decision over Zab Judah (42-9-0-2, 29 KO’s) despite a late rally from the Brooklyn native, Garcia had made a name for himself as a fighter that regardless of the situation, finds a way to win. 

But I don’t look at the Matthysse fight as Garcia’s claim to being a special fighter…. it’s what happens next that will affirm his position as one of the best. The aftermath of a great performance shows character.

On March 15^th, the Philadelphia raised Danny Garcia will dig deeper into his roots and fight in Bayamon, Puerto Rico [Coliseo Ruben Rodriguez] for the first time in his career.  His opponent, Mauricio Herrera (18-3, 7 KO’s), shouldn’t necessarily pose a threat, but the importance of a captivating follow-up performance by Garcia is vital to the ascension of his brand. 

“This is going to be a night I will remember forever, and I plan on giving the fans a show they won't forget," said Garcia. "I'm a proud Puerto Rican, and even though Herrera is a tough challenger, there is no way I'm losing in Puerto Rico. This is definitely one of the most important bouts of my professional career for my whole family. I can't wait for March 15.”

Let’s be honest here… the goal for Danny Garcia is to get a crack at Floyd Mayweather Jr. (45-0, 26 KO’s).

With the “cold war” in full effect for 2014, Danny Garcia is on an island with an abundance of good young fighters, but unfortunately, he’s the top dog.  There’s no Manny Pacquiao (55-5-2, 38 KO’s) or Timothy Bradley (31-0-0-1, 12 KO’s) or even Juan Manuel Marquez (55-7-1, 40 KO’s) for him to fight. 

The Mayweather fight is his meal ticket, not just for money, but for notoriety. 

That’s why it’s imperative for him to put on a show and destroy Mauricio Herrera.  He needs to go after him from the opening bell, impose his will and knock out a boxer who’s never been stopped despite fighting the likes of Mike Alvarado and Ruslan Provodnikov. 

The clock is ticking and a big time performance could possibly land Garcia a fight with Floyd in September.  If he falters or looks average, the luster of a match-up between the two will disintegrate and may not meet Floyd’s formula of match making. 

Too much risk… not enough reward. 

I’m hoping Danny Garcia realizes the opportunity that presents itself and what it will mean to not only his career, but his legacy as well.  The aftermath of big fights show a fighter’s true character and if Danny “Swift” Garcia is truly special, he will take care of business on March 15^th in emphatic fashion.