By: Sean Crose
He is one of the top names of the late Mayweather era. A multi-division champion, he has defeated the likes of Amir Khan, Lucas Matthysse, Lamont Peterson, Pauline Malignaggi, Erik Morales, and more. Furthermore, Danny Garcia’s three losses have come against Hall of Fame hopefuls Keith Thurman, Shawn Porter, and Errol Spence. In short, Garcia’s career has been nothing if not very successful. However, the Philly native is now 36 years old. Furthermore, Garcia has only fought three times in the past four years. However, Garcia is set to return to the ring once again. His opponent this time will be another late Mayweather era standout, Erislandy Lara.
Lara, despite owning the WBA middleweight title, has not been very active lately. In the past four years, the fighter known as “The American Dream” has fought only one more time than Garcia. On top of that, Lara is 41 years old compared to Garcia’s 36. It may seem like a tournament for old people, but the reality is, a fight between Garcia and Lara could still be an interesting one. Considering the fact that middleweight is no longer the hot place it once was, each fighter has a chance to make a name for themselves again.
In his prime, Garcia was a sharp counterpuncher, while Lara was a skillful and experienced boxer. He may have been known as a welterweight and middleweight, but Garcia now fights in the middle. Does he still have the punching power he once had? And what about Lara? At his age, does he still have the grace that made him such a formidable opponent? These are questions that often arise when fighters past their prime remain in – or return to – the ring.
Lara-Garcia is the kind of fight that would be perfect on basic cable or streaming. You’ll have to pay to watch it—but it’s worth noting that Lara-Garcia is part of an impressive co-main event for the Canelo Alvarez-Edgar Berlanga fight on September 14 in Vegas. And, for those who remember or enjoyed watching Garcia and Lara about a decade ago, there’s a bit of nostalgia in this one, too.
Of course, on top of the WBA middleweight belt. After all, major titles have a way of keeping a fighter relevant. The Lara-Garcia winner will certainly age, but no one can call him irrelevant.
