Why Danny Garcia Doesn't Get The Love

It seems like things always come up roses - or begonias - for Garcia

I was accused last night by a fellow fight writer who I like and admire of hating Danny Garcia. This bothered me since hate in my book isn't supposed to be part of the agenda. And indeed, I made it clear that I would like Garcia if only he were more competitive in his choice of opponents. What's more, I think that's true of a lot of people.

Look, Garcia is a brave and noble foe in the ring - make no mistake about it. He's also very good at what he does, perhaps even better than he's given credit for. Furthermore, he's conquered some serious adversaries like Zab Judah, Amir Khan and Lucas Matthyssse. There's a lot to like there. It just seems like Danny himself is content to keep a barrier up between himself and the majority of the boxing public.

For he hasn't exactly faced down a murderer's row of opposition since that solid Matthysse win. What's more, his old man has made it clear that team Garcia isn't too eager to engage in serious competition now that the big bucks are coming in. Add that to Garcia's placid indifference to intense competition and fan approval and you've got someone who people just aren't going to be all that crazy about. They may like to watch him - but they're not going to love him.

Furthermore, Garcia savagely beat an opponent in Rod Salka who had absolutely no business being in the ring with him, an act which clearly wasn't right. He also got - many of us felt - gift decisions against Mauricio Herrera and Lamont Peterson. Throw in accusations of preferential treatment by the powers that be and it's easy to see where all the criticism comes from.

Here's the thing, though - Garcia can make all the negativity go away (at least among reasonable people) if he fights opponents who are (or who are near) his equal. It's as easy as that.