Danny Garcia: 'I want to be a three-division champion'

Danny Garcia has had more than his share of memorable moments in boxing over the past 15 years, including many victories over big-name opponents and major titles in two divisions.

Does he have one more successful run in him at 36?

We’ll know more on Saturday night in Brooklyn. That’s when and where he’ll take on Jose Benavidez Jr. in his debut at 154 pounds, a weight at which he hopes to add one more belt to his impressive collection.

“We had a tremendous training camp in Philly,” said Garcia, who is from Philadelphia. “We’ve done everything we were supposed to do and my body feels great. I knew that I was coming up to 154 pounds, so I built more muscle. But most importantly I feel good mentally.

“Once Danny Garcia is mentally and physically strong, no one can touch him. I’ve proved that before. I’m just excited to be back at Barclays Center.”

Garcia (36-3, 21 KOs) last fought in December 2020, when he lost a wide decision to 147-pound titleholder and pound-for-pounder Errol Spence Jr.

After the setback, he decided to take time off to recharge. Mission accomplished. Now it’s time to get back to what he has done he has done since he was child, which is to exchange punches in the ring.

And his goal is clear.

“It feels good to be back,” he said. “I’m back because I love to fight. I’m a fighter, and I love boxing. I knew once I took that break, that I’d come back at 154 pounds. A lot of people don’t know how I’ve been squeezing my body down. I think people will be surprised about how strong I am.

“I want to chase a new dream. I want to be a three-division champion. I have the skill and I have the will, and I’m not going to let anyone take it away from me.”