Danny "Swift" Garcia eked out a majority split decision Saturday night in the second edition of Premier Boxing Champions on NBC, and in his post-fight interview indicated that he would be moving forward with his career as a welterweight.
Saturday night's bout was fought at a 143-pound catch weight, the second consecutive bout for Garcia in which his WBC and WBA junior welterweight titles weren't on the line. The move is all but set in stone now, so here are the Top 5 opponents for him to begin his 147-pound run.
Lamont Peterson (33-3-1, 17 KO)
Yes, Garcia just fought Peterson but who wouldn't watch them run it back? Garcia was not so dominating that he should waltz into a loaded weight class and be chauffeured to a Floyd Mayweather Jr. payday. Garcia will have to earn his stripes as a welterweight, and Peterson was actually the much bigger man in the ring on Saturday.
Peterson also made a tactical error. He displayed superior movement and speed in the early rounds, but didn't fight aggressively enough to capitalize on how he was flummoxing Garcia. His movement was construed as "running" and judges rewarded Garcia for bringing the fight. If he adjusted his game plan, there's no telling what would've happened. Why not try again when both guys aren't draining themselves to hit lower weights.
Marcos Maidana (35-5-0, 31 KO)
Maidana was chirping on Twitter about fighting Garcia right after his win, and if styles make fights, this one would have Fight of the Year potential.
Maidana used to fight at 140 pounds, so it's not out of the question. He's one of the hardest hitters in the welterweight class, but his straight-ahead style also plays into Garcia's strengths as a counter puncher. He was an underdog vs. Lucas Matthysse, but survived tough shots with a chin that is gaining a reputation as one of boxing's best.
Shawn Porter (25-1-1, 16 KO)
Porter might not have a big enough name to interest Garcia, but he'd provide a stiff test for a first run at 147 pounds. Porter blew it in his biggest opportunity when he dropped his title to Kell Brook. He was overaggressive, and he failed to adjust to Brook's game plan, which was clearly to pick him off as he charged in wildly.
Garcia might be able to do the same things Brook did, but will Garcia be able to sting Porter? Garcia has built up a reputation for power, but he never really hurt Mauricio Herrera last year when they fought, and Peterson was basically unmarked following 12 rounds of fighting on Saturday. Porter can help Garcia get his feet wet and decide if he really belongs there.
Amir Khan (30-3-0, 19 KO)
This would be another rematch, one that many hardcore fans are dying to see. Khan has built himself back up into one of boxing's elite fighters, despite never avenging a 2012 TKO loss to Garcia. Khan was winning the fight when he was caught by a Garcia counter shot that he never recovered from.
He never fought Garcia in a rematch, but has since moved on from junior welterweight and won his first two fights at welterweight easily. Now that Garcia is following the same path, it may be time for Khan to get his shot at redemption, especially if the big names he seeks continue to show little interest.
Brandon Rios (33-2-1, 24 KO)
"Bam Bam" Rios looked incredible in his most recent fight, a one-sided beat down of Mike Alvarado that offered a surprising conclusion to their trilogy, with began with two breathtaking fights. Rios was reportedly more dedicated to boxing than ever during that camp and it showed. He came forward relentlessly, showed great accuracy on hard, short uppercuts, and ate any shot Alvarado threw with ease.
He would be a difficult test of Garcia's power and stamina; Rios has arguably the best chin in boxing, and he never wears down. If Garcia can survive Rios, he'll know he's one of the elites.
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