Promotional disputes in boxing can sadly deprive a talented young fighter of crucial peak years in their careers. Most recently we have seen the likes of Andre Ward out of the ring for extended periods due to wrangling over contractual issues – yet at least he is now set to return on June 20th.
Another fighter losing massive chunks of his career is 2-weight world champion, undefeated Mexican-American, Mikey Garcia – brother of Oxnard based trainer Robert Garcia.
Garcia has been in contractual dispute with Bob Arum for some time now and last boxed in January of 2014 when he beat Juan Carlos Burgos.
Despite occasional announcements and promises of a ring return, nothing has yet happened – and judging by his latest chat with fighthype.com – the future isn’t looking fantastic either – with nothing more than speculation as to a return the theme.
Garcia said of the situation
“I thought we were gonna be settling everything and arranging a fight for around this time – we said no later than the first quarter of the year but of course that didn’t happen.”
“It’s been dragging out longer than I anticipated. I’m still keeping my fingers crossed that we will be back hopefully some time this year. Maybe early Fall? But the way it seems, it’s gonna take a little longer. It’s not like I’m fighting next month in June or July so, September, maybe, is a little bit more reasonable. I hope things get sorted out SOON. This month or next month.”
Judging by his tone in the interview it is clear that Mikey has very little confidence in the issue being resolved with Top Rank and Bob Arum anytime soon and that the situation is also completely out of his hands. He has said he would return under their banner but under a NEW contract. Hence waiting out the old one.
Showing a self-deprecating humour referencing his inactivity – asked for a message for his fans, he said;
“For the ones that STILL ARE my fans, I appreciate it very much. I always appreciate the support that I get. I really, really hope we can get back, just gotta stay a little patient a little longer and when I’m back I won’t disappoint.”
Let’s hope not. It really is a sad state of affairs for the talented young fighter who plans to eventually jump up to 140 on his return.
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