Philadelphia is cemented in boxing history after it produced some of the greatest boxers; Meldrick Taylor, Joey Giardello, Matthew Saad Muhammad, Jersey Joe Walcott and most notably, Joe Frazier.
The fighting city was also the setting for the ‘Rocky’ franchise where the make believe created the sport many fans and continues to do so.
Danny Garcia is in a long list of world champions from ‘Philly’ but, can he get back to world champion status?
Pro Boxing Fans assesses the potential options for the 31-year-old welterweight following his unanimous points victory over Ivan Redkach at Barclays Center, Brooklyn on Saturday night.
Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Pacquiao
The senator has been a world champion in four separate decades. That alone is mind-blowing, 41-years-old, a world champion and the eight-weight titlist doesn’t look like slowing down anytime soon.
Pacquiao might still be the biggest draw at 147lbs and could lead to a handsome pay cheque for Garcia. With talks of ‘Manny’ versus UFC superstar, Conor McGregor will only generate more popularity and intrigue into the Filipino’s profile.
Garcia reiterated his desire for a clash with the current WBA (Super) Welterweight champion after beating Redkach.
Errol Spence Jr
The second name on trainer and father, Angel Garcia’s lips, Errol Spence Jr. ‘The Truth’ is unlikely to be back in a tough bout until towards the end of the year as he recovers from a serious car crash dating back to October last year.
Arguably the number one welterweight in the world, the IBF and WBC world title holder will be looking to face what he would see as a fringe world level opponent before getting himself back in the deep end and Danny Garcia could be the perfect opponent.
Garcia’s victory over Redkach, an eliminator for the WBC crown, has thus set up a clash with the 29-year-old, who the former called out along with Pacquiao after his win.
A highly ranked, former world champion who would be an impressive looking scalp on his CV.
Keith Thurman
Almost two years ago, Thurman was victorious over Danny Garcia, yet now coming off the back of a loss, to ‘Manny’ Pacquiao, which was in just his second fight since his bout with ‘Swift’ in March 2017, this rematch would make sense for both men.
A bout worthy of a world title, however with both men strapless an eliminator is more than likely. Thurman vs Garcia would be a fight welcomed by the fans too after their first bout was well received.
Shawn Porter
Shawn Porter is in an extremely similar situation to Keith Thurman, with both men having taken losses in their last bouts.
The pair, albeit still with much left to offer are both on the wrong side of thirty years of age and have beaten Garcia. Revenge, the biggest factor in the potential bout for Garcia.
Again, another fight which would probably end up as a world title eliminator. With the options open to Garcia and the unlikelihood that the best will face the best in unifications at 147lbs, it’s likely Danny will get a shot to fight for a world title once more this year.
