15 Rounds with Danny “Swift” Garcia

After wrapping up his training camp, unbeaten junior welterweight Danny “Swift” Garcia (21-0, 14 KO) still had the energy to go 15 Rounds with me concerning his October 15 bout with Kendall Holt (27-4, 15 KO) on the undercard of Hopkins/Dawson in Los Angeles and his career path.

ROUND 1: You’ve only got a few days left before your fight with Kendall Holt. How was training camp?

It’s good, it’s real good, been a good ten weeks now, only got a couple of days before the fight, cooling down now. I feel strong, you know, my speed is there, my vision is there. I’m excited to fight.

ROUND 2: How are you preparing for your opponent?

We’ve just been focusing on strength and conditioning to go twelve rounds, and working on hitting him without getting hit, and being sharp.

ROUND 3: In a lot of the lead-up to the fight, the discussion has been about the “experienced” Kendall Holt versus the “young, hungry” Danny Garcia. Even you have said it’s time for the new breed to take over, essentially. Do you see this fight as a “changing of the guard,” so to speak?

Yeah… it’s “in with the new, out with the old.” (Laughs) It’s time for the new young fighters to step it up, it’s our time now. [Holt] already had his time, he’s trying to make a comeback, but it won’t happen against me.

ROUND 4: Do you think Kendall Holt is washed-up?

No, I’m not saying that. It’s just that he had his time. He had his chance to eat. Everyone gets their chance to eat, he had his chance, and it’s my time to eat now.

ROUND 5: You’re from Philly, Bernard Hopkins is from Philly, Chad Dawson is from the New England area, your opponent Kendall Holt is from New Jersey. Is it awkward then to fight in LA? Would you have preferred New York City or Atlantic City?

No, actually I feel blessed because LA is where it all started. It don’t matter to me where the fight is. You put the ring there and I’ll fight. I feel blessed to be shining under Bernard Hopkins on this card. I appreciate the chance.

ROUND 6: In your opinion, is this your toughest fight?

I trained 110% hard for this fight. I’m ready and focused. If I’m in my A-game, I don’t think the fight will be tough because I’m ready for whatever he brings.

ROUND 7: Looking over your resume, the only fight you’ve had that people can question your dominance on was against the UK’s Ashley Theophane. What did that fight teach you in the long run?

[Theophane] was a tough fighter. He had almost thirty fights [sic] at the time, and I had fifteen. That’s the type of fight that you grow off of. You get better, stronger, more focused. It motivated me, and helped me grow as a fighter.

ROUND 8: This is for the WBO Intercontinental Light Welterweight belt. That’s a nice prize. After this, is it time for one of the big belts?

Right now, I’m really focused on October 15, I’m in the zone, so I’m not looking past it. But, you know, I’m always up for a big thing in life, so if it happens, I’ll just be happy and blessed.

ROUND 9: Ring Magazine, one of the most widely-respected publications in the business, has you as the #9 Junior Welterweight. What does a win over Holt mean to you in your career, both professionally and personally?

It would mean a lot to me. I mean, he’s a good name, former champion, and he can still fight. It’s going to be a big victory, but we’re going to get the job done and keep it moving. Just another day at the office.

ROUND 10: You saw the Mayweather/Ortiz hullabaloo. Many boxers after the fight said they would have done what Floyd did; many others said they would have kept it classy and waited for Ortiz to box again. Honestly, in your gut of guts, what would you have done?

Well, the first thing they tell you, when you’re in the gym as a kid, they tell you, “If they low blow you, you low blow them back.” (Laughs) Maybe it’s a Philadelphia thing, tough-guy thing, but, um, yeah, if they want to play dirty, I would have struck back.

ROUND 11: If you could go back in time, and meet Danny Garcia before his pro debut, what would you tell him knowing what you know now?

That’s a good question. (Thinks) I would tell him, “Stay focused, train hard, and don’t let no one stop you.”

ROUND 12: What do the ladies find more impressive, you in your boxing gear or you in your street wear?

(Laughs) The ladies like both! You know, I’m “Swift” in the ring, and Danny outside. I got swagger in and out of the ring. I’m just blessed, you know? (Laughs again.)

ROUND 13: Confession time: I’m embarrassed to admit it, but when I’m home alone, I like to ____________.

When I’m home alone? Nothing really… make music, stuff like that. Chill, watch TV, normal stuff, I guess.

ROUND 14: Have you ever had a “Do-You-Know-Who-I-Am?” kind of moment?

Yeah… (laughs) I mean, I’m humble, but sometimes people try to treat you like you’re trash, you’re nothing, so you got to pull out the phone, show them the photos and videos, be like, “Do you know who I am?” Gotta show them the belts and stuff.

ROUND 15: Two years ago for my birthday you promised me autographed fight gloves. What the hell man?

Oh man, I do, I do! (laughs) Every time I get around to it I get busy with something else. Are you going to be in California?

No, I’ll be watching from home in Vegas.

Oh okay, well, I’m going to try to go to Pacquiao in November, I’ll get ‘em to you then.

You heard it here first!

[Danny laughs.]