PBC provides this look back at former two-division champion Danny Garcia's finest moments at Brooklyn's Barclays Center ahead of his final appearance there on Saturday, October 18th. Garcia and the Barclays Center are forever linked. From his knockout of a Hall of Famer on opening night to gritty battles against hometown heroes, Garcia turned the venue into his personal proving ground. A proud Philadelphian with Puerto Rican roots, he headlined more fights at the arena than any other boxer, building a legacy defined by big moments, dramatic wins, and unforgettable nights in Brooklyn. On Saturday, October 18th, Garcia (37-4, 21 KOs), will step through the ropes one final time at age 37 against Daniel Gonzalez (22-4-1, 7 KOs). Here is a look back at the five greatest performances Garcia delivered in the Big Apple’s famed venue.
5. Garcia W12 Zab Judah (April 17, 2013): Garcia’s first Barclays main event was as high-stakes as it gets: a title defense against Brooklyn’s own Zab Judah. The atmosphere was electric, and Garcia silenced the local crowd by dropping Judah in the eighth round and controlling much of the action. Judah, a two-division titlist and former undisputed welterweight champion, rallied late but Garcia’s power and composure earned him a unanimous decision.
4. Garcia TKO9 Paul Malignaggi (Aug. 1, 2013): Moving up to welterweight, Garcia faced another Brooklyn favorite in Paul Malignaggi. It was Philly grit versus New York slickness, and Garcia’s relentless pressure proved too much. He wore Malignaggi down with sharp counters and steady body work until the referee called a halt in the ninth round. The win showed that Garcia’s power and skill translated perfectly into a new division.
3. Garcia W12 Ivan Redkach (Jan. 25, 2020): Garcia used his return to Brooklyn as a showcase for his sharp boxing skills. Against the aggressive and trash-talking Ivan Redkach, he controlled the fight with precision punching and ring generalship. While the bout went the full 12 rounds, Garcia dominated throughout, reminding fans why he remained one of the most dangerous contenders at 147 pounds.
2. Garcia W12 Lamont Peterson (April 11, 2015)... In a razor-close chess match, Garcia battled former champion Lamont Peterson. In the later rounds, Peterson rallied strongly, but Garcia’s cleaner, harder punches and early dominance carried the night. The fight ended in a majority decision, but it displayed Garcia’s ability to remain composed under fire and his knack for delivering in tough, high-level matchups.
1. Garcia KO4 Erik Morales (Oct. 20, 2012): Garcia’s defining Barclays moment came on opening night of boxing at the venue. Facing Mexican legend Erik Morales in a rematch, Garcia landed a devastating left hook in the fourth round that sent Morales spinning through the ropes in one of the arena’s most iconic finishes. The knockout not only defended Garcia’s world titles but cemented Barclays Center as his home arena.
