By Edward Chaykovsky
WBA welterweight champion Keith Thurman has brushed off all of the statements that were made in his direction by Angel Garcia, who is father and head trainer of WBC champion Danny Garcia.
The fight takes place on March 4th from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
During their New York City press conference from a few weeks ago, Angel erupted and nearly went after Thurman as they traded words.
Angel made several comments that press members perceived to be racial in nature. The controversial trainer is well known for trying everything possible to mentally rattle his son's opponents.
Thurman is not taking the bait and says Angel will not be able to help his son win in the ring.
“He never talked about me,” Thurman said to the Las Vegas Review Journal. “Whatever he said that’s not me. He wasn’t talking the truth. He was speaking maybe about his personal feelings, but it’s just a whole bunch of ignorance.”
“Boxing doesn’t have time for that clown act. I paid no mind to it. It’s just another father trying to fight for his son. The father won’t be there in the ring. It’s all up to the son.”
Thurman (27-0, 22 KOs) believes the winner of the upcoming fight Garcia (33-0, 19 KOs) should be recognized as the top fighter in the welterweight division. For years, the two biggest names at the weight were Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao. Mayweather retired from the sport in September 2015 and Pacquiao may potentially walk away in the next twelve months.
“The only legend left is Manny Pacquiao but he doesn’t seem too eager to fight the top contending welterweights,” Thurman said. “So I feel the winner of March 4 deserves the majority of the spotlight at 147 pounds. It’s two skilled undefeated boxers going at it.”
