8countnews continues to track the young career of hot welterweight prospect Danny Garcia of Philadelphia. Danny has done nothing but dominate opponents since we last spoke with him. Danny carries his unblemished 8 – 0 record into a bout with former NABO lightweight title challenger, Adan Hernandez. Hernandez stands to be the toughest test Danny has seen so far in his pro career and he stopped recently to talk about it…
8countnews: So your opponent has been named for this weekends fight on the Hatton/Malinaggi undercard, Adan Hernandez? It appears you are getting a step up in competition with Hernandez. What do you know about him?
Danny Garcia: He's a tough fighter. He went the distance with Anthony Peterson in a title fight. I think he's had a pretty long lay off though. All the time he took off, I've been training hard. I feel ready as ever for whatever he brings to the table.
8countnews: Danny, you fight a lot, in a short time period, have you improved on anything between fights and what are you working on?
At this point our conversation is interrupted by the shrills of young girls ringing out in the back ground. I ask Danny what's going on around him. Is he at a party? Are there 'Danny' groupies waiting to attack the young fighter when he finishes his phone interview? Danny then assures me he's at home with his parents and his two twin seven year old sisters are on the war path. I'm reminded Danny is only twenty and then he calmly continues.
Danny Garcia: I'm learning a lot about relaxing when I'm fighting. Trying to rely less on my raw power and dominating style. I won't to be able to throw hard when I need to. I want to be able to be powerful when I want to. But wait on those shots and keep myself from getting caught.
8countnews: So, will we still see knockouts and stoppages for you?
Danny Garcia: The knockouts are going to come. I have to quit looking for just power shots and wait on them to happen. I want to break down fighters by boxing them. I have great boxing skills. I just need to showcase them.
8countnews: The fight is set for 6 rounds. Maybe you take this guy out early, but if not are you ready for a 6 round fight if it were to go the distance?
Danny Garcia: Absolutely. We originally thought this fight would be 8 rounds. So we trained that way. I've been sparring 8 rounds with bigger guys. I've had heavier guys putting their weight on me for long rounds. So, a 140 pounder really feels light as I push them around the ring. So, I feel like I'm in great shape for this.
8countnews: You are once again fighting on the under card of a major fight, there's been several lately like Calzaghe vs. Jones. You fought before Pavlik and Hopkins, did you get to watch the fight after your own?
Danny Garcia: Yeah, I watched that fight. Bernard gave a boxing lesson that night. Very impressive. The Calzaghe fight was solid. Roy came out strong, but couldn't maintain it. I didn't understand why if you hurt someone like he did Joe, why would you back up and not keep the pressure on him. Of course being in the ring, it's always a different fight in there.
8countnews: So, after you win Saturday, will you come out and watch Ricky and Paulie go at it? Any predictions.
Danny Garcia: That's a tough call; I don't know that either of them looked great in their last fights. I will be watching, and I guess I'd have to go with Malinaggi in this one. I think he will outbox Ricky Hatton.
8countnews: Ok, so to close, we know about your boxing life so far, tell us about the Danny we don't know. What do you like to do for fun? Outside of boxing.
Danny Garcia: Besides boxing, I like to hang out with friends, I love to eat, but I live a real simple life. I stay away from clubs. I've never touched alcohol in my life. I know how to have fun in positive ways. I like to spend time with my little sisters and my parents. Family stuff.
8countnews: You're a smart kid Danny. Keep heading that direction and you will no doubt go a long way. Any words for fans and readers?
Danny Garcia: I'm young and hungry. I'm looking forward to showing what I've been working on against a tough opponent. Thanks for the support.
8countnews: Thanks Danny, it's a pleasure as always.
Danny Garcia: Thank you, I appreciate it.
We hang up to more of his little sisters in the background and Danny's words about how he's fun make even more sense to me. This kid has not only been groomed for greatness in the ring, but in life as well. With his sights set on a narrow path, Danny Garcia forges ahead Saturday night, another step towards achieving his potential.
