Mikey Garcia return set vs. Martin

By Dan Rafael

Former four-division world titlist Mikey Garcia will end a 19-month layoff and face Sandor Martin on Oct. 16 at the outdoor Chukchansi Park in Fresno, California, Matchroom Boxing and DAZN announced on Thursday.

Garcia has not boxed since a competitive unanimous decision over former two-division titlist Jessie Vargas in a welterweight fight on Feb. 29, 2020 at the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas.

“I’m very excited to get back in the ring and give my fans another night to remember,” Garcia said by way of press release. “I’m looking forward to seeing everyone on Oct. 16 in Fresno. It’s going to be a great night of boxing.”

In his last fight, Martin (38-2, 13 KOs), 28, a southpaw from Spain, outpointed Kay Prospere to retain the European super lightweight title in April.

Now, he will take by far the biggest step up in competition of his career against Garcia (40-1, 30 KOs), 33, of Ventura, California, who has won world titles from featherweight to super lightweight. His only loss was a one-sided decision when he jumped up to weight classes to challenge welterweight titlist Errol Spence Jr. in March 2019.

“I’m so excited for this opportunity,” said Martin, who will be fighting outside of Spain for the third time and for the first time in the United States. “The sport of boxing brings me the chance to change my life. There will be a before and after for everyone in this fight.”