This Saturday, November 16th at the Celebrity Theater in Phoenix, Arizona, Juanito Garcia (18-3 7KOs) headlines “Iron Boy 10” when he takes on Rashard Ganaway (14-3 9KOs) for the WBC USNBC Junior Welterweight title. Garcia’s career has had its ups and downs. In 2008 he hit a three fight skid losing to Cornelius Lock, Jose Hernandez, and Hector Serrano. Now Garcia has rebuilt himself and has strung together a four fight winning streak, winning his last two by knockout. Ganaway is going to be quite the test, in 09’ Ganaway fought his way to a split decision loss to the TMT promoted and at that time undefeated, Mickey Bey.
Being labeled a prospect comes on just as fast as it comes off. Prior to 2008 Garcia was moving up the rankings as an undefeated fighter. Most recently Garcia sparred and traveled with Raymundo Beltran for his fight with Ricky Burns. When he was 20 years old Garcia sparred Manny Pacquiao in preparation for his fight with Marquez. When asking for sparring partners it doesn’t get much better than Pacquiao and being around a fighter of his caliber will not only teach you lessons in the ring, it will teach you how to conduct yourself as a champion. Garcia was open about his excitement and nervousness sparring Pacquiao he stated, “When I first went in there, I was like “Damn, thats Manny Pacquiao.” Then the first bell rang and I was like, “Oh shit, that’s Manny Pacquiao.” He continued, “I sparred with him for seven weeks and one of the most important things I learned was to be more disciplined and how to really train.”
Like a lot of prospects Garcia fell into the trap that is getting caught up in his own hype and lost focus of who he was. Losing three fights in a row not only humbled Garcia, it showed him who his true friends were, he stated, “At one point I was a good prospect then… BAM! I get those three losses and everyone sees me as a fighter that “could have been”. Winning this title will show them.”
Not everything was negative though; the losses and the step back reignited his fire and love for boxing, “I’m anxious just to be in the ring. This year we started active. I was retired for two years then came back and had four straight wins. Now we’re here fighting for a national title.” When asked what happened during those fights that he lost and what has changed since Garcia stated, “I grew up and I’m more mature.” He continued, “I was getting a lot of attention and being stupid. I wasn’t training like I was supposed to, so I hung them up for a little bit. Then I got back into the gym and met up with some people that showed me support from the beginning. I have been back at it ever since.”
Garcia is just as resilient inside the ring as he is on the outside. He’s confident that the speed bumps that were early in his career won’t slow him down. Besides it’s a good time in boxing, recently fans have an easier time looking past losses in exchange for a fighter that gives his all. Not only would winning the title Saturday be a dream come true for Garcia, it will be redemption and the first of many fights on his way to top.
Fans can follow Juanito Garcia on Instagram @jag0720
