Mikey Garcia Names Terry Flanagan as Potential Target at 135

By Edward Chaykovksy

Last week, former two division world champion Mikey Garcia (34-0, 28 KOs), 28-years-old, officially announced his return to the ring. Garcia has been out of action since January 2014, when he won a unanimous decision over Juan Carlos Burgos at The Theater in Madison Square Garden.

Garcia has been sitting on the shelf while battling a drawn out legal battle with former promoter Top Rank. The two sides finally settled their differences a few weeks ago.

Garcua, a former champion at 126 and 130 pounds, is hoping to get a crack at a world title at the lightweight limit of 135-pounds.

The first step in Garcia's return is a clash with another former champion, Elio Rojas (24-2, 14 KOs), which takes place on July 30th as part of the undercard to the featherweight battle between Leo Santa Cruz and Carl Frampton. The Showtime televised card takes place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

The fight with Rojas will take place between 135 and 140, but Garcia is hoping to squeeze down to the lightweight limit - and sees WBO world champion Terry Flanagan as a potential target at the weight. Flanagan (30-0, 12KOs) is set to defend his belt on July 16th against Mzonke Fana at the Ice Arena in Cardiff, Wales.

“New York’s always shown a lot of love, support and treated me well,” said Garcia to Premier Boxing Champions. “This is the next stage of my career, and I’ll be remembered for what I do from this point forward as opposed to the past.

“For this fight, we’ll be at somewhere around 135 [pounds], 136, no higher than 140. I do want to fight for the title at 135, maybe against [England’s] Terry Flanagan, then fight for a title at 140. I want this one fight before going after a title. I’m ready.”