Four division world champion Mikey Garcia (39-1 30 KOs) of Moreno Valley by way of Oxnard, California who recently signed a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing USA this past weekend is set to return to the ring. Garcia will be taking on former world champion Jessie Vargas (29-2-1, 11 KO's) of Las Vegas on Saturday February 29 at the Ford Center at the Star in Frisco, Texas live on DAZN.
“I’m really excited to get back in the ring. A fight with Jessie allows me to bring out the best in me. It’s not an easy fight, I don’t take easy fights." Mikey Garcia said at the kickoff press conference to announce the fight.
Now the next chapter in Mikey Garcia's career begins as he has partnered up with Promoter Eddie Hearn. The British promoter Hearn has made some big splashes in signing some of the elite fighters in the world such as Gennady Golovkin, Anthony Joshua, Daniel Jacobs, plus a talented an stacked stable of fighters. Garcia now joins the list.
"We decided on this agreement with Hearn because this is what was best for me and Jessie's name was mentioned," Mikey Garcia told Fightnews.com
“I’ve been talking to Mikey for over a year now and I’m so happy to welcome him to the team,” Promoter Eddie Hearn said. “Mikey is a standout star and I’m looking forward to working with him on big fights moving forward.
Despite there being buzz of a potential showdown with WBA welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao. The eight division world champion and Senator is slated to return in the spring, Mikey couldn't wait much longer.
"There was talks about a Pacquiao fight but no date. I wanted to return to the ring as soon as possible. I couldn't wait. Manny was too involved with the politics in his country, so I wasn't going to wait for him," Garcia added.
Coming off a one sided decision defeat at the hands of IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence, Garcia fell short in becoming a five division world champion. Having challenged Spence in his hometown of Dallas and fighting at AT&T Stadium in nearby Arlington.
"That fight didn't go my way. That is boxing. What matters is what happens after," Garcia explained. "There are no regrets. I just wanted the best challenge and I want to fight the best to be remembered as fighter that took on everybody. That's how all the greats are remembered," Garcia added.
Having began his career under the Top Rank banner, Garcia worked his way to his first world title by defeating the always tough Mexican veteran Orlando Salido at featherweight in 2013 and won his second world title at super featherweight stopping Roman Martinez. After capturing 2 world titles, Garcia was on a 2 year hiatus as he split from Top Rank in 2014 and returned in the summer of 2016 under the PBC banner.
"After my career in Top Rank, I've been a free agent," Garcia said. "Every fight with PBC and Ringstar was one fight each. I signed with Matchroom but this is an association that we have made. I love the flexibility that I have had,"
Winning titles at lightweight and super lightweight, Garcia then attempted to win a title at welterweight and failed but made the most of it business wise partnering with Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
For the second consecutive fight, Garcia will be teaming up with the Dallas Cowboys/Jerry Jones, joined this time with his promoter Eddie Hearn for the Vargas fight.
"Jerry Jones was really happy with what we did the last time. He opened the door for us and we are heading back to Texas to fight at the Star," Garcia said.
With the fight over two months away. Mikey will be working with his father Eduardo along with his brother, former world champion and trainer of the year Robert Garcia training at the Garcia Boxing Academy in Riverside, California as they prepare for Vargas.
"I have been active in the gym and also sparring but now I will step it up to prepare for this fight," Garcia on his preparation.
His opponent Vargas has taken on the likes of Timothy Bradley, Antonio De Marco, Manny Pacquiao, and Adrien Broner. Vargas is coming off a knockout over former world champion, Mexican veteran Humberto Soto this past April
"Jessie is a great fighter he has fought some of the best. He fought Timothy Bradley, Manny Pacquiao. That speaks volumes of him," Garcia said about Vargas. I have a solid opponent and all that will be answered,"
The 32 year old Garcia, just recently celebrated his birthday last Sunday and has mentioned his desire to be remembered as one of the greats. Fighting for legacy, Garcia as he set the bar high thus far in challenging Errol Spence Jr. early this year. Now for his return to the ring, Garcia has once again set the bar high as this will be a very formidable opponent for one to chose in their return bout.
"My father and my brother told me to take an easier fight. Had I picked an easy fight. In the long run it wouldn't do me any good. I needed a challenge," Garcia stated. "I have a lot of questions to answer because many are doubting my hunger and desire in the sport. This return will show what kind of fighter, I really am,"
Follow Miguel on Twitter @MigMaravilla