Mikey Garcia: Other Fighters Will Pay More Attention To That Right

By Ryan Burton

Newly crowned WBC lightweight champion Mikey Garcia (36-0, 30 KOs) is still glowing from his crushing three round knockout victory over previously undefeated Dejan Zlaticanin, which took place less than two weeks ago at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. A devastating right hand by Garcia laid out Zlaticanin on the canvas. He would lay there for several minutes before getting to his feet.

Garcia didn't take any damage and is hoping for a quick return to the ring. He believes that future opponents will be on the lookout for the power shot that ended the fight.

"Other fighters will probably pay more attention to the overhand right, landing the power shot.  But I like to set those punches up with the jab. My corner - my dad and my brother - always teach they and they always tell me to do that," Garcia stated.

As for what's next, Garcia will wait and see what happens with the upcoming WBO lightweight title fight between Terry Flanagan and Petr Petrov and the WBA lightweight championship rematch between Jorge Linares and Anthony Crolla.

The winner of Flanagan-Petrov will have to make a mandatory defense against undefeated Puerto Rican star Felix Verdego. But based on Verdejo's struggles in this past Saturday's decision win against unknown Oliver Flores, the young boxer may take another fight or two to shake off the ring rust. 

"Anybody at 135 I am willing to sit down and discuss unifying titles. I know right now they have their schedules set so I am going to see what happens with their fights. Then go from there," Garcia told BoxingScene.com.

The WBC recently ordered the Linares-Crolla winner to fight Mikey Garcia. Linares was named the WBC champion in recess when he was unable to defend the title he previously held due to injury.

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