Mikey Garcia to return to ring against Sandor Martin on Oct. 16
Mikey Garcia is returning to the ring on Oct. 16.
The former four-division titleholder won’t be facing Manny Pacquiao, Josh Taylor or Regis Prograis, high-profile prospective opponents to whom he has been linked. Instead, he’ll face relatively obscure Sandor Martin in Fresno, Calif. (DAZN).
At least he’ll be fighting again after a 20-month layoff. And, of course, bigger fights are within his grasp.
“I’m very excited to get back in the ring and give my fans another night to remember,” Garcia said. “I’m looking forward to seeing everyone on October 16 in Fresno – it’s going to be a great night of boxing.”
Garcia (40-1, 30 KOs) last fought in February of last year, when he defeated Jessie Vargas by a clear decision.
That followed a shutout loss to 147-pound titleholder Errol Spence Jr. in March 2019, Garcia’s first setback. He has fought only twice – Spence and Vargas – since he outpointed Robert Easter in July 2018.
Garcia, 33, was once a leading candidate to fight Manny Pacquiao but the Filipino icon ended up fighting 147-pound titleholder Yordenis Ugas, who defeated him by a decision last month.
Martin (38-2, 13 KOs) has won nine consecutive fights since he lost a decision to Anthony Yigit in 2017. He has neither faced anyone near Garcia’s ability nor fought outside of Europe.
The 28-year-old is from Barcelona, Spain.
“I’m so excited for this opportunity,” Martin said. “The sport of boxing brings me the chance to change my life. There will be a before and after for everyone in this fight.”