WBO champion Mikey Garcia
WBO super featherweight champion Mikey Garcia stops by Wednesday to chat about his title defense on Saturday against Juan Carlos Burgos as a part of HBO Boxing After Dark.
Hey Mikey, how do you like the cold weather here in NY?
It's not an idea. I like to wear cowboy gear once in a while. Whenever the occasion comes. In the ring, we used to wear a poncho and the hat. It's part of the uniform. I won't be using one this time, but maybe next time we'll bring it back.
MIKEY!! Huge fan as well! Love the cowboy hat into the ring look. Where did that idea come from?
I'm always ready to go the distance. I'm never out there looking for the KO. If it's there, I'll take it. Burgos is a durable guy, so I think he can go the distance.
whats up Mikey! you having a high KO rate do you see this fight going the distance?
It's always nice to headline the show. It's great. You're the guy that's on top of the card. They want to see you. You want to perform well to please everybody. It's great to headline the show.
what's it like being the main event for a fight?
We hope to get at least 3 fights, like last year. If everything goes well and there are no injuries, we could probably squeeze in a fourth fight. We want to be active. We want to be fighting.
How many times do you plan on fighting this year?
More experience. With more experience, you gain more knowledge. I know people have questioned whether I can fight on the inside. If that opportunity comes along, I will show it. There is always room for improvement. I can always learn a thing or two, but I think we're doing a good job.
Hey Mikey, do you feel there is an area in your game that you feel needs improvement?? (e.g. killer instinct, footwork, defense, etc..)
He's a very good fighter. He's going to try and make it difficult. He has a height advantage. But I'm ready for any scenario that plays out. I know he's hungry, so that could only make the fight better.
Hey champ, do you see any particular difficulties with this upcoming fight the Burgos can cause? #teamgarcia
No, we wouldn't fight each other. We're good friends. We hang out together. We train together. We hang out outside of boxing. That wouldn't be a consideration for us.
Hey Mickey Am a big fan. I know u and Brandon Rios r good friends and trained by the same trainer, but will u guys ever consider fighting ?
I never thought I'd be fighting at 140. Maybe at the last fight of my career. My body is growing. I think 140 might be pretty soon. 147 might be hard to get there. We'll have to work to get there. It's very likely that maybe in a 3 year span I could be fighting at welterweight.
Are you going to go up to 147 at some point in your career?
All-time, Floyd Mayweather. And Lopez.
Hey Mikey good luck on Saturday. Just wondering who you think is the best Top 3 Boxers of all Time?
No. It's never difficult. I trust my brother and my dad. They know my capabilities and my skills. If they tell me to do something, they know best.
MIGUEL ANGEL! Huge fan. Is it difficult at times having your brother in your corner? Good luck this weekend, we will be watching.
I don't feel anything like that. I do my job in the ring and I think my performance in the ring will bring the fans. It's been working recently, so that's all I do.
Been a fan since I saw the interview you did with Chris Byrd...I'm wondering if you feel pressure to develop a persona that might not be who you really are to generate hype or sell tickets? Good Luck Sat. night, not that you'll need it Champ!
I'm never looking for a KO, but most of the time, it's later in the rounds where I look for it. If I have to, I will, but I never look for it early in the fight.
Hey Mikey good luck Saturday night. I was wondering will you be looking for the knockout early or will you set up the knockout in the later rounds?
We've always practiced a jab and a straight right. When I started as a professional, maybe my fourth fight, I noticed my right was pretty effective. I started using it more and more. To get better, we practice timing and looking for the right opening.
How did you first start using the one two it's really effective
Mikey is here!
CHAT LINEUP
Wednesday, January 22
- 12:00 PMNFL with Matt Williamson
- 1:00 PMNBA Insider Chad Ford
- 1:00 PMMMA with Brett Okamoto
- 2:00 PMFootball HOFer Bruce Smith
- 2:00 PMRavens with Hensley LIVE!
- 2:00 PMNCAA FB with Kevin Gemmell LIVE!
- 2:30 PMHeavyweight Bryant Jennings
- 3:00 PMWBO champion Mikey Garcia LIVE!Live chat page »
- 3:00 PMNHL with Katie Strang LIVE!
- 4:00 PMNFL columnist Ashley Fox
- 4:00 PMNCAA FB with Chatmon
- 5:00 PMWeAreSC's Garry Paskwietz
FROM BUZZMASTER'S DESK
Are you ready for the two week lull until the Super Bowl? We're already having NFL withdrawal. But we'll have plenty of NFL chatters lined up so start thinking up questions!
OVERHEARD
“Have Kaepernick's QBR in the post season (against winning teams) changed your opinion of the QB debate?
” -- J (Tampa)
“I don't think my opinion has changed a great deal in light of how Kaepernick fared against winning teams (poorly for a while, better lately). I think he is like a lot of QBs in that the weapons around him matter a great deal. We have seen that be the case with QB after QB this season. I think Kaepernick is good and will get better. This game at Seattle is a great opportunity for him, but also a great challenge.
” -- Mike Sando, NFL Insider
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