By Keith Idec
LOS ANGELES – Errol Spence Jr. didn’t see anything from Mikey Garcia on Saturday night that would make him hesitate to fight Garcia next.
Spence told a group of reporters at ringside following Garcia’s convincing victory over Rober Easter Jr. late Saturday night at Staples Center that he wants to fight Garcia in “November, December.” An ambitious Garcia reiterated during the post-fight press conference that he wants to move up two divisions – from lightweight to welterweight – to challenge the bigger, stronger Spence in his next fight.
“It’s an easy fight to make,” Spence said. “Showtime’s on board. I mean, both of our management’s on board. So I mean, it’s an easy fight to make.”
Spence confirmed that he and Garcia have discussed ** their fight next with Al Haymon, who advises both boxers.
“I’m definitely licking my chops,” Spence said. “I’m excited.”
That said, Garcia impressed Spence by dropping Easter in the third round and beating him comfortably on all three scorecards (118-109, 117-110, 116-111).
“He looked like the same Mikey Garcia,” Spence said. “It was a good technical fight that he fought. You know, he showed his variety of punches, he showed his boxing ability.”
The 28-year-old Spence (23-0, 20 KOs), of DeSoto, Texas, would be heavily favored to beat the 30-year-old Garcia (39-0, 30 KOs) due to his size and strength advantages. Garcia, however, is a technically efficient fighter whose skills and speed often surprises opponents once they’re in the ring with him.
“Well, he’s technically sound, so I mean, it will be a challenge,” Spence said. “He’s technically sound and he’s very smart in the ring. So it will be a challenge, but you know, I’m always confident in my abilities and I know I’ll come out with the victory.”
The emerging Spence recognizes, too, that facing Garcia could help build his brand among Hispanic boxing fans who strongly support Garcia.
“This definitely would help my fan base,” Spence said, “and help me grow as a superstar in the sport.”
2023-10-21 12:33:29
