Danny Garcia, a noted professional boxer from Philadelphia, bids farewell to New York’s Barclays Center after an illustrious career spanning over a decade. He steps into the ring for his tenth bout at this iconic venue on Saturday, promoted under the title “Farewell to Brooklyn.” Garcia (37-4, 21 KOs) has become synonymous with the Barclays Center, having fought there nine times since 2012, achieving a record of seven wins and two losses. His final opponent will be Daniel Gonzalez.
Danny Garcia’s Legacy at Barclays Center
Garcia began boxing at the Barclays Center during its inaugural event in October 2012, when he faced Mexican legend Erik Morales. That fight marked a significant milestone, as it was the first boxing event held in Brooklyn in 81 years. Since then, Garcia has made the venue his second home, and he reflects fondly on his experiences there.
Top 9 Fights at Barclays Center
Garcia’s nine fights at the Barclays Center represent memorable moments in his boxing journey. Here’s a rundown of the top fights he has had at this venue:
- Erik Morales – TKO, October 20, 2012: Garcia’s victory marked the venue’s first boxing event. He dominated Morales, earning a knockout in the fourth round.
- Zab Judah – UD, April 27, 2013: In a highly anticipated clash, Garcia defeated the Brooklyn native Judah by unanimous decision, enhancing his reputation.
- Keith Thurman – SD, March 4, 2017: In what many considered a classic, Garcia faced Thurman in a tightly contested match, suffering his first professional loss.
- Lamont Peterson – MD, April 11, 2015: Garcia won this unification bout in a challenging match that tested his mental strength.
- José Benavidez Jr. – MD, July 30, 2022: Making a comeback after a difficult period and showing resilience, Garcia connected with a career-high 153 punches.
- Paulie Malignaggi – TKO, August 1, 2015: Garcia showcased his skills against the former champion, delivering a dominant performance that ended in a ninth-round stoppage.
- Rod Salka – TKO, August 9, 2014: Despite critiques regarding the match-up, Garcia delivered a spectacular second-round knockout.
- Ivan Redkach – UD, January 25, 2020: Garcia kept his momentum against Redkach, winning comfortably in front of a supportive crowd.
- Shawn Porter – UD, September 8, 2018: In a controversial decision, Garcia faced Porter, feeling he deserved a different outcome from the judges.
Garcia shared his thoughts on these experiences and the significance of the Barclays Center in his career. He attributed much of his success to the support of the local Puerto Rican community and the diverse fanbase in New York.
As he prepares for his final fight at the Barclays Center, Garcia expresses gratitude for his journey. “Promoting my last fight at the Barclays Center means the world to me,” he said. “It’s a dream come true.” This fight not only marks the end of an era for Garcia but also symbolizes his lasting impact on the sport and the venue.
