By Miguel Rivera
WBC, IBF lightweight champion Mikey Garcia admits the sheer danger of facing Errol Spence is exactly what's enticing him to pursue the fight.
Garcia (39-0, 30 KOs) has made it clear that he wants to move up by two weight divisions to challenge Spence for his IBF welterweight world title.
He wants to return in a big fight by the end of the year, which could push the Spence showdown back to 2019.
Garcia has captured world titles at featherweight, super featherweight, lightweight and junior welterweight.
He wants a fifth world title, at 147-pounds.
"There is still more to come, I hope to achieve more things, more triumphs in boxing, so far it has been a very nice race, for my audience. Everything I do is for the public to be happy and with very special recognitions, not just for me but also for my family, for my dad, my brother, it fills me with emotion, it's a source of pride to represent my family and the public that supports me," said Garcia to ESPN Deportes.
Showtime Sports President Stephen Espinoza informed BoxingScene.com last week that a fight between Garcia and Spence would likely have to take place in 2019 - because the contest would be on pay-per-view and the network is already doing a pay-per-view event in the fall with heavyweights Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury.
Because of that, Garcia has had conversations for a potential fight with WBA "regular" champion Manny Pacquiao.
"I would like to return before the end of the year, Errol Spence is the fight that interests me the most, the one that motivates me the most. We have also talked a little bit with Manny Pacquiao's team, and there is interest too," Garcia said.
"(Spence) is the biggest challenge, and maybe the most dangerous fight for me, but I feel capable, I feel comfortable, strong, fast, intelligent, experienced - I think I beat him. It's very dangerous, very risky, but it's something that I will get the most credit for, to beat a fighter like him.. winning another championship in the third division in 9 or 10 months.. it is something that nobody has achieved and that's why I put that challenge out there."
