By Chris Robinson
Trainer Robert ‘Grandpa’ Garcia has been getting a lot of buzz in recent times because of his growing stable of fighters. Working with the likes of Brian Viloria, Nonito Donaire and Steven Luevano helped to garner the 35-year old much attention but he has seen his name thrust to the forefront more so than ever because of his duties with former welterweight champion Antonio Margarito, who challenges Manny Pacquiao on November 13th at Cowboys Stadium.
While Garcia’s recent notoriety seems to be well earned it is easy to forget how excellent of a fighter he was in his own right. Garcia’s nine-year career saw him compile a 34-3 record with 25 knockouts that included a March 1998 decision over Harold Warren that netted him the IBF junior lightweight championship. Garcia’s ten-month reign included defenses of his belt over Cuba’s Ramon Ledon and crafty veteran John John Molina.
Having been stopped by the likes of Diego ‘Chico’ Corrales, Ben Tackie and Joel Casamayor in three of his final five fights, Garcia was the type of pugilist who was remembered more so for his losses than any of his wins. Still, anyone who saw him in action could tell of his sound boxing ability as well as his modest and approachable demeanor outside of the ring.
This past Wednesday Garcia could be found inside of the Palms Casino and Resort as he is in town for Brandon ‘Boom Boom’ Rios’ WBA lightweight eliminator against Anthony Peterson. Rios is coming off of a breakout stoppage over the Bronx's Jorge Teron this past February but is in for a serious fight against the D.C. fighter who has built a career based on steady aggression and a fierce body attack. Garcia was low key in his assessment of the fight and chose to refrain from any predictions.
“It’s going to be difficult for Brandon but he’s in great shape,” Garcia stated. “I’ve been impressed with his dedication for this fight. He’s been focused and has put the work in.”
As a fighter Garcia plied his craft at the La Colonia Boxing Club in Oxnard, California alongside stable mate and friend Fernando Vargas. These days he runs his ship at the Oxnard Boxing Academy and insists the camaraderie amongst his fighters has been the key to his success.
“We all hang together,” Garcia continued. “Whether at the gym or on the weekends we will get together and throw a barbecue at my house. Everybody shows up and we have just turned into a family and that is probably something that given me good results.”
From the beginning of this year Garcia has also been working the corner of ‘The Filipino Flash’ Nonito Donaire as he serves as a chief strategist for the interim WBA super flyweight champion. Donaire’s immense athleticism, quickness and underrated power make him one of the sport’s rising stars and Garcia insists the 27-year old simply needs the right platform to display his skills.
“That kid is pound for pound one of the best fighters in the world,” Garcia said with conviction. “I want to thank him for inviting me to his training camp. Cameron Dunkin is the one who introduced us to each other and we’ve been working together for the past two or three fights. He’s a great fighter with such great talent. He has no limit. He just needs to get those big opportunities.”
Garcia will be present with Margarito this weekend for Saturday’s card before the two men break to officially kick off camp for their date with destiny. While Margarito still has scars from his one-year suspension following the discovery of plaster of paris in his hand wraps prior to his January 2009 loss to Shane Mosley, Garcia insists he was able to see another side to the 32-year old that convinced him to join his side.
“Before I took over his training I met him first and I also met his wife,” Garcia said. “We spent a few days together and I got to know him and he is a great person. We talked about a lot of things to do with boxing. We talked about his situation after he was suspended and I decided to take over because I believe everything he told me and he was just very honest with me. We became good friends.”
While Garcia’s respect is obvious that doesn’t change the uphill battle that awaits Team Margarito. Pacquiao has been on a tear in the sport unlike anything seen in recent years and he is the heavy favorite headlining into the contest as people are looking for his quickness and combination punching to carry the day. Not one to be deterred, Garcia insists that a victory is within reach.
“I’ve been watching Pacquiao’s fights for the past two months and every night my kids and my wife keep asking me when I am going to go to bed. I tell them ‘After I watch these next two or three fights’. I’ve been watching him over and over and Pacquiao has lost. Erik Morales beat him. Marquez almost beat him; it could have gone the other way. He is beatable. I think we are going to come up with a great game plan and Margarito has the strength, the power, the heart to beat him. I have no doubt that we are going to pull it out.”
Chris Robinson is based out of Las Vegas, Nevada. An archive of his work can be found here, and he can be reached at Trimond@aol.com
