Danny Garcia focuses on next foe; big payday could be ahead

The paydays being talked about for the May 2 megafight between welterweights Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao are so outlandish that boxing simply cannot be discussed without them coming up.

Philadelphia's Danny Garcia could earn millions in a bout with Pacquiao or Mayweather in the near future. However, before that, the owner of the WBC and WBA junior-welterweight crowns has some business of his own to finish.

On April 11, Garcia will put his undefeated record (29-0, 17 knockouts) on the line against IBF junior-welterweight champ Lamont Peterson (33-2-1, 17 KOs) at a catch weight of 143 pounds. Both fighters are likely to move up to 147, something made more alluring because of the potential purse at the higher weight.

"Big money . . . I would love to," Garcia, 27, said with a grin as he had his hands taped by his father and trainer, Angel. "That is what boxing is about and that's every fighter's dream, to fight on that stage, of course, you know, for a lot of money. But it's one fight at a time."

Garcia worked out for the media Wednesday at his DSG Gym on Jasper Street in the shadow of the Market-Frankford line in North Philly. He did no sparring but hit mitts, worked the speed and heavy bags, and skipped rope, weighing about 148 pounds by his father's estimation.

Despite his flawless record, Garcia knows he must make a strong impression in the non-title bout, which will be televised live on NBC. After a thoroughly impressive unanimous decision over hard-punching Lucas Matthysse, Garcia won a tough decision over Mauricio Herrera before easily knocking out overmatched Rod Salka in August.

When Peterson fought Matthysse, Matthysse destroyed him, scoring a third-round technical knockout.

"I'm ready to make a statement," Garcia said. "I have to go out there and dominate. I know that."

Many fans are disappointed that a title is not on the line, but Garcia believes the fight will be a good one. Neither fighter is known for his knockout power, but Garcia said he is prepared for anything Peterson throws at him.

"I'm ready for whatever," Garcia said. "If he wants to try and box, I'm just going to have to be a lion and stalk him down. If he wants to fight, everybody knows I can do that. It's no problem for me."