Danny Garcia could close out his career on Saturday when he takes on Danny Gonzalez at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Garcia, 37, has fought just four times in the last five years, and he’s lost two of his last three, including an audacious attempt for the WBA middleweight title held by veteran Cuban Erislandy Lara in his last fight.
That would have made him a three-weight world champion
“One week out and I feel ready to go. It’s the real Danny versus the fake Danny. He’s Dookie Gonzalez,” said Garcia, who is 37-4 (21 KOs).
“This feels like the ending of my movie. We’ve got to end it with a win. I feel rejuvenated. This feels more like it’s my first fight than my last. I’m ready to go in there and do my thing.
“Gonzalez is hungry. He’s got everything to gain and I’ve got everything to lose. I have to train myself like I’m fighting for a world title. That’s how I always train. I’m sparring the young hungry lions who are trying to beat me up.”
Gonzalez is from Queens, New York. He’s 22-4-1 (7 KOs) and has won his last two, although at a much lower level.
Philadelphian Garcia has made the Barclays his home, boxing there nine times so far.
“I had to keep feeding my fans in Brooklyn. They made me who I am today, so it was a perfect place for this fight.
“I fought everybody. I never ducked anyone. I fought whoever they put in front of me and that’s why fans love me. I’m proud of everything I’ve been through inside and outside of the ring. And I’m still here.
“I’ve been doing my own shows in Philly and I wanted to keep making Swift Promotions bigger and this was the best way to do it.”
And while he has a clear attachment to Brooklyn, he doesn’t stray far from his roots.
“Being a part of Philly boxing legacy is incredible,” he said. “It’s legendary. It really shows that if you put in the hard work, you can really be somebody. To be mentioned with the other Philly boxing greats is a testimony to the hard work and everything we’ve been through.
“I don’t regret anything that’s happened in my career. The wins, the losses, it all made me Danny Garcia. So we’re gonna go out there on October 18 and show the world one last time that I belong in that Hall of Fame.”
