Danny Garcia: Fighting for Passion, Not Money; Inspired by Canelo Alvarez

Danny Garcia, a renowned figure in the boxing world, is no stranger to the spotlight. Born on March 20, 1988, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Garcia has claimed world titles in three weight divisions, earning recognition in both the super-lightweight and welterweight categories. Though raised in the United States, his roots trace back to Puerto Rico, and his heritage has deeply influenced his boxing journey.

From an early age, Garcia trained under the watchful eye of his father, Angel Garcia, who was not only his trainer but also a guiding force. Inspired by legends like Mike Tyson and Julio Cesar Chavez, Garcia quickly made a name for himself, racking up an impressive amateur record of 107 wins and 13 losses. By 2007, he turned professional, making an immediate impact with a knockout victory in his debut.

Fast forward to 2024, after a 25-month hiatus, Garcia is back in the ring. Set to fight for the WBA middleweight title against Erislandy Lara at T-Mobile Arena, he finds himself sharing the spotlight with Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez. However, many critics are questioning whether the 36-year-old boxer still has the drive to compete at the highest level.

In a candid conversation with an online blog site, Garcia addressed these concerns head-on. “Am I as hungry as I was when I started? Of course not, nobody is!” Garcia admitted, but he made it clear that passion still fuels his career. Drawing parallels to Canelo Alvarez, Garcia stated, “You think Canelo is as hungry as he was when he first started? He probably doesn’t have to box ever again, but he’s here. Why? Because he loves boxing. That’s why I’m here too—because I love fighting. It’s not about money.”

Garcia’s passion for the sport remains intact despite his inactivity in recent years. He’s fought only once in the last four years, raising concerns about ring rust, but Garcia remains confident. In a bold statement to TMZ, he declared that he’s feeling “better than ever” and sent a stern warning to his opponent, Erislandy Lara. “If he thinks he’s gonna knock me out, he better keep his eyes open ’cause he might get knocked out.”

As Garcia prepares for this pivotal bout, both he and Lara are fighting not only for the championship but to preserve their legacies. With so much on the line, the outcome of this match could mark the end of the road for either fighter. But as Garcia has shown time and time again, he’s not ready to hang up his gloves just yet. Passion, not money, keeps him in the ring—and he’s ready to prove it.