Final Workout and Interviews: Danny Garcia vs. Jose Benavidez Jr.

By: Kirk Jackson

The time for a potential brawl between former two-division world champion Danny “Swift” Garcia (36-3, 21 KO’s) and former interim world title holder Jose “Merciless” Benavidez Jr. (27-1-1, 18 KO’s) is steadily approaching.

Training has ramped up, all the work has been put in the gym, all the words have been expressed between camps, it’s almost time to strap in for what looks to be an exciting bout this weekend.

Listed below is a scope of the final words leading up to the event.

DANNY GARCIA

“It’s been 19 months since I’ve been in the ring and I’ve been enjoying my life in and out of the ring. I’ve spent time with my family, but I’ve still been staying in the gym the whole time. I trained with young guns Chris Colbert and Stephen Fulton Jr. To be honest, it feels like I never left.”

“We had a tremendous training camp in Philly. We’ve done everything we were supposed to do and my body feels great. I knew that I was coming up to 154 pounds, so I built more muscle. But most importantly I feel good mentally.”

“Once Danny Garcia is mentally and physically strong, no one can touch him. I’ve proved that before. I’m just excited to be back at Barclays Center.”

“I’m excited to be on this card with a lot of young fighters. It’s tremendous and I can’t wait. The ‘Danny Garcia Show’ is back. I definitely feel good and come Saturday night you better make sure you get your tickets or tune in on SHOWTIME.”

“It feels good to be back. I’m back because I love to fight. I’m a fighter and I love boxing. I knew once I took that break, that I’d come back at 154 pounds. A lot of people don’t know how I’ve been squeezing my body down. I think people will be surprised about how strong I am.”

“I want to chase a new dream. I want to be a three-division champion. I have the skill and I have the will and I’m not going to let anyone take it away from me.”

“Nothing ever comes easy against Danny Garcia. Don’t try too hard, because you might knock yourself out (to Jose Benavidez Jr.).”

“I’m going to go out there and have fun and do what I do best. I’m going to find a way. It’s going to be the same thing you always see. I’m going to get this ‘W’.”

ANGEL GARCIA – Garcia’s Father and Trainer

“We don’t fear anybody. We never turn down any fights. This isn’t anything new to us.”

“When these guys are eye to eye, they’re the same size. Don’t underestimate Danny.”

“Jose Jr. doesn’t have the skills. We’re ready for him. July 30 on SHOWTIME, the ‘Danny Garcia Show’ is back. It’s the greatest show on earth.”

JOSE BENAVIDEZ JR.

“I’m ready. I feel strong and I’m happy to be here. It’s exciting to be fighting in this big arena. I’m ready to show the world that I’m the one at 154 pounds.”

“I’m the bigger guy at this weight. I’m confident, I’m strong and I’m ready. This is a new and improved me. Nobody is going to touch me.”

“I don’t have to look impressive. I’m going to show what I am. I’m a beast. I know where my talent is and I’m going to make it look easy.”

“This is going to be a good fight. It’s going to be fireworks. I respect Danny Garcia, but his dad talks too much. I’m thankful for the opportunity, but we’re going to let the fists talk.”

“I’m done with the trash talk. I’m happy and I’m excited. I can’t wait to get it on Saturday night.”

“They can think what they want to think. I know what I’m capable of and I’m going to prove it on Saturday. I’m only focused on my work ethic and I’ve been training hard for this fight.”

“To me, the talk is just a game. I respect everyone. I’m more mature now. I’ve grown and I only care about what I’m going to do on Saturday.”

“This is going to be the end of the ‘Danny Garcia Show’.”

JOSE BENAVIDEZ SR. – Benavidez’s Father and Trainer

“This is a great opportunity for Jose to show his talent. He has to look impressive in order to go to the next level.”

“I want to thank team Garcia for the opportunity. We’re facing a monster. But that just motivated us even more. When Jose beats Danny Garcia, he’ll be at the top and open up for bigger opportunities.”

“Jose has matured a lot and he’s super motivated. It makes me feel comfortable and more secure that we’re going to have a good fight Saturday.”

Garcia vs. Benavidez in a 12-round showdown headlines a stacked tripleheader Saturday, July 30 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and tickets are still available.