Mikey Garcia: I don’t believe there will be ring rust

By Miguel Maravilla
Photos: Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

Former world champion Mikey Garcia (34-0, 28 KOs) of Oxnard, California, will be making his return to the ring after a two year absence when he takes on Dominican former world champion Elio Rojas (24-2, 14 KOs) on July 30 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York live on Showtime. We spoke to the 28-year-old Garcia about his comeback.

“I don’t believe there will be ring rust because I was never really outside of the ring,” said Mikey. “I’ve been in the gym the whole time, sparring and training. I would spar 10 or 12 rounds, just to do it. Not because I had a fight, but just to keep me active. I know it seems like a long time, but I don’t really see it. I feel like I was gone six months.

Garcia held world title at featherweight and super featherweight before sitting out 30 months due to a contractual dispute.

“I want to fight at 135 and fight for a title there. I’m going to see how my body feels after this fight, but that’s the plan as of now. We’re not looking past Elio. I definitely want to get back in the ring soon if everything goes right.

“I have no regrets. I’ve got to enjoy myself more than I had in the last 10 years. When you’re in boxing, it’s a year round sport. You don’t have time to yourself, for your family or friends. You miss out on a lot. I learned a lot in my time away about boxing and more.

“This will end up being about a seven-week training camp, but even prior to that I’ve been staying in the gym. I don’t feel any different. I feel one-hundred percent. My body is well-rested which makes me hungrier and more motivated.”