Danny Garcia, one of boxing’s star attractions, has been left behind in the loaded welterweight division after losses to Keith Thurman and Shawn Porter.
But Garcia has an opportunity to climb back to the top of the division by doing something his former foes didn’t do — deliver a dominant performance with millions watching on network television.
Saturday’s PBC on FOX main event bout between Garcia and Adrian Granados was made official after both fighters made weight on Friday. Garcia stepped on the scale at 146.8 pounds and Granados weighed in at 146 pounds.
The first fight is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, with the main card airing on FOX and FOX Deportes at 8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT.
“Motivation is no problem for me because I’ve always loved competing,” Garcia said. “I love to fight and I love boxing. I want to give my fans around the world a great show. This is all for my legacy right now.”
Thurman and Porter struggled during their respective main event bouts on FOX earlier this year. Thurman was rocked a few times in a rusty performance against Josesito Lopez in January, but Thurman survived with a majority decision.
Last month, Porter squeaked out a split decision win over Yordenis Ugas in a bout many fight fans thought Ugas deserved.
Garcia can outdo the two welterweight champions by knocking out Granados, something no fighter has done, including Porter. Granados fell to Porter in a unanimous decision in 2017.
In the co-main event, former heavyweight world title challenger Andy Ruiz Jr. faces Alexander Dimitrenko in a 10-round bout. Ruiz came in at 262 pounds and Dimitrenko weighed 259 pounds.
“I’m really happy to be here in this position,” Ruiz said. “Everything in my past is behind me and I’m so happy to be in this fight and position for even more after Saturday.”
For the FOX broadcast opener, unbeaten contender Brandon Figueroa battles Yonfrez Parejo for the interim WBA junior featherweight title. Figueroa tipped the scales at 121.2 pounds and Parejo came in at 120.5 pounds.
Figueroa, the younger brother of Omar Figueroa Jr., has a perfect record of 18-0 with 13 knockouts. The talented 22-year-old is on a five-fight knockout streak.
“I’ve been preparing every fight for a big fight,” Figueroa said. “I’m thankful for this opportunity and everyone who is behind me and has supported me. I’m here for a reason and I’m going to prove it on Saturday night.”
WEIGHTS
Danny Garcia, 146.8 lbs. vs. Adrian Granados, 146 lbs. — 12 rounds, welterweight
Andy Ruiz Jr., 262 lbs. vs. Alexander Dimitrenko, 259 lbs. — 10 rounds, heavyweight
Brandon Figueroa, 121.2 lbs. vs. Yonfrez Parejo, 120.5 lbs. — 12 rounds, junior featherweight
