Mikey Garcia vs. Jessie Vargas - February 29, 2020

[victor-romeo]

The poll didn't give the option of 'who cares'
I would rather see mikey garcia vs

jose carlos ramierez
progaris
josh taylor

[Ruthless-RKO]

The poll didn't give the option of 'who cares'
I would rather see mikey garcia vs

jose carlos ramierez
progaris
josh taylor

That’s not down to me mate. I just post the fights. This is likely gonna happen. Don’t care? Don’t vote.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Mikey Garcia and Jessie Vargas will clash in a Welterweight blockbuster at Ford Center at the Star in Frisco, Texas on Saturday February 29 live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

Former four-weight king Garcia (39-1 30 KOs) makes his debut on DAZN with new promoter Eddie Hearn in the same state of his last outing at AT&T Stadium in Arlington in March in a bid to win World honors at a fifth weight.

Garcia, who turned 32 on Sunday, has now planted his flag in the ground at 147lbs by taking on Vargas, and the popular Californian will aim to make a big statement as he fights in Texas for the tenth time in an already glittering career.

“I’m very happy to announce my next fight against Jessie on February 29 in Texas, live on DAZN,” said Garcia. “I believe our styles are going to make for a great battle and the fans are going to be in for a real treat. Tune in and don’t miss it”

Former two-weight ruler Vargas (29-2-2 11 KOs) has already tasted glory at Welterweight and is gunning for more glory starting with his clash against Garcia.

Vargas was the first fighter to headline a Matchroom Boxing USA show in America in his entertaining draw with Thomas Dulorme in Chicago in October 2018 and followed that with a clinical KO win over Humberto Soto in Mexico in April. The 30 year old, who held the WBO strap at 147lbs in 2016 after moving up from Super-Lightweight where he held the WBA crown, believes that the timing is perfect for him to come out on top of what he promises will be a fan-friendly showdown.

“It’s a big fight for fight fans, it’s one people have wanted for a long time now,” said Vargas. “We are giving them what they want to see, it’s going to be a great showdown.

“He’s a warrior and so am I, we both always go for the win and do anything possible to get it. I really believe in myself and my abilities, it’s one of the fights that will generate a lot of attention and it’s the perfect time to shine and show that I am here to stay - I need to show that I am going to be a World champion again and this is the perfect fight to show that.”

The huge showdown marks a return to Texas for Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing USA after staging on of the fights of the year in the unification sizzler between Maurice Hooker and Jose Ramirez in July, and the promoter is thrilled to be pitting Garcia and Vargas together in what promises to be an all-out war.

“Garcia vs. Vargas is a great fight and I’m so excited to bring this show to Frisco, Texas live on DAZN on February 29,” said Hearn. “The DAZN schedule is simply breathtaking and the value they are delivering to fight fans in quite incredible.

“This fight has all the makings of a Barrera v Morales type war where the styles should gel brilliantly for a real classic. I want to thank Jerry Jones and his team for his support for this great event, get ready for a huge fight and huge card at Ford Center in February!”

“It gives us great pride to host another superior boxing match of this caliber with Mikey Garcia and Jessie Vargas,” said Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager Jerry Jones. “Showcasing two of the best Welterweight boxing superstars, our fans and the entire North Texas region will get to experience another incredible event here at Ford Center.”

“We are excited to have the February 29 showdown between Mikey Garcia and Jessie Vargas serve as the official start to another Fight Season on DAZN in 2020,” said Joseph Markowski, DAZN EVP, North America. “Both men are multi-division champions who have proven their ability to draw an audience as incredible ambassadors for the sport. We anticipate a tremendous promotion with Mikey and Jessie before they meet in Texas.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

What a waste.. one fight deal with DAZN, and this is what they come with.

I know there’s an option to extend.

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Mikey Garcia: Spence Fight Left Bad Taste, Important To Come Back At 147

“I’m very excited to be returning back to the Dallas area,” Garcia (39-1, 30KOs) told BS.com of his second straight fight in the region. “I’m a huge Cowboys fan, To take part in the event with Spence in their stadium was an amazing experience, even if the fight didn’t turn out anything like we wanted.

“But it meant to a lot that (Cowboys owner) Jerry Jones was excited for me to come back here. I’m really looking forward to fighting against in front of my big fan base in Texas and especially in Dallas and Fort Worth.”

More than 47,000 fans poured into AT&T Stadium to witness his Fox Sports Pay-Per-View headliner versus home-grown Spence, with the event proving to be a commercial success. By the end of the night, however, it was also the end of Garcia’s as an unbeaten pound-for-pound entrant, dropping a lopsided decision in his ambitious bid at becoming a five-division champ.

The size difference between the two was apparent when the fight was first announced, with Garcia—who previously never competed higher than 140—moving up two weight divisions for the event. The 32-year old California native faces the same size disadvantages versus the considerably bigger Vargas, who has campaigned at welterweight or heavier since 2015.

Of course, that’s why they call it a challenge.

“I looked at other options the past few months, including fights at 140,” notes Garcia. “The big fights I wanted just weren’t available at the time I wanted them. The Spence fight really left a bad taste in my mouth, so it was important to come back here to welterweight. This fight with Jessie Vargas is the type of opportunity I was looking for.

“I didn’t want just any easy fight for my first one back after a loss. That doesn’t do anything for me. This is a real opportunity for me to show that there’s still plenty more Mikey Garcia. It’s not the loss, but how you come back from it that people remember the most. Winning a fight like this, at the weight and even in the (region) where I suffered my only loss will remind everyone that I’m a real [welterweight] contender and ready to fight for another world title.”

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Mikey Garcia: DAZN Deal Had To Be Structured In Way That Leaves Me Happy

Mikey Garcia didn’t have a firm grasp on what fight was next when he was first courted by Eddie Hearn more than a year ago. What he did know was that it wasn’t the right time to sign on with fledging over-the-top (OTT) media service DAZN.

Fast forward to present day, where has finally heard what he needed to in order to make the move.

“It was the right deal and the right agreement,” Garcia (39-1, 30 KOs) told BS.com of his recent career move, which is accompanied by a February 29 showdown versus former two-division titlist Jessie Vargas. “I’m happy with the decision and the terms. It had to be a deal that worked best for everyone involved and also the right fight, where we give the fans a fight that excites them.”

News of his being paired up with Vargas (29-2-2, 11KOs) has been met with favorable reaction, as Garcia will fight for the second time as a welterweight. Their Feb. 29 DAZN headliner will air live from The Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, marking his second straight fight at the weight and in the greater Dallas area.

His agreeing to terms marked the end of a lengthy pursuit by Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, who will serve as the lead promoter for this bout. Garcia heard what England’s leading promoter had to say of his plans to conquer the U.S. market, but instead decided to stick it out with Premier Boxing Champions, even as an unrestricted free agent.

It led to a lucrative showdown versus unbeaten welterweight titlist Errol Spence, against whom he dropped a lopsided 12-round decision for his lone career defeat. Garcia considered several proposals from PBC brass for a next fight under its umbrella, including his landing on the short list of potential opponents to next face legendary eight-division and reigning welterweight titlist Manny Pacquaio.

A mild surprise came of his instead signing with Hearn and DAZN. More so than the Vargas fight itself was the ability for the former four-division titlist to proceed with his career while staying true to the values which have helped him reach this point. That means entering and leaving without any real restrictions.

“It was important for the fans to be treated to a nice fight,” explained Garcia. “But the deal also had to be structured in a way that leaves me happy and independent.

"I’ve always worked on a fight by fight basis, so remaining that way was very important. I know it was announced that I finally signed with Matchroom… but this is more of a partnership.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

Joe Parker will return on this card.

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The February 29 clash between former multi-division titlists will be subject to full pre-fight random drug testing protocol, Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) announced over the weekend. Both boxers have been regular participants in the program and—BS.com has learned—demanded such testing to be in place for their upcoming contest, which airs live on DAZN from The Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.

[Enlightened-One]

Since the WBA & WBC both have anti-doping programs managed by VADA, I wouldn’t be surprised if one of those organisations found a way to somehow officially sanction this bout, either as an eliminator or to put one of their belts on the line (commemorative or a minor title).

The WBA and/or the WBC will inevitably want to orchestrate a way to charge sanctioning fees to both of these well-paid fighters.

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[margaret thatcher]

Eddeh just has to be in every f@cking thing doesn't he

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Eddeh just has to be in every f@cking thing doesn't he

Haha! The road trip

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Murat Gassiev will make his long-awaited Heavyweight debut against Jerry Forrest at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas on Saturday February 29, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK – with rising Junior-Middleweight star Israil Madrimov in a World title eliminator and headline star Mikey Garcia showcasing two of his Garcia Promotions talents.

Gassiev (26-1 19 KOs) announced his move to Heavyweight in April after signing a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing USA, Ural Boxing and Warriors Boxing to fight on DAZN, following hot on the heels of his old Cruiserweight foe Oleksandr Usyk, the last man he faced in an undisputed World title clash and the final of the World Boxing Super Series in July 2018.

The Russian banger was set to make his bow in July at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas against Joey Dawejko but a shoulder injury in the build-up forced the 26 year old to delay his entrance into a red-hot division.

Now a fully fit Gassiev does get the chance to debut in the Lone Star state, this time against seasoned Louisianan Forrest (26-3 20 KOs), the active 31 year old who has five wins from six fights in the last 12 months, and ‘The Iron’ is looking to sharpen his tools for an assault on the Heavyweights.

“I’m so happy to finally be able to make my debut at Heavyweight,” said Gassiev. “It has been frustrating not being able to fight but I am ready to go now, and I want to make up for lost time.

“When I box in Frisco it will have been nearly 600 days since I’ve fought and a lot has happened in the Heavyweight division over that time – I know that I can be a World champion at Heavyweight but I need to show to the rest of the division that I am a serious threat, and that starts on February 29.”

Madrimov (4-0 4 KOs) defends his WBA Inter-Continental Junior-Middleweight title in an official eliminator for the #2 position in the WBA against Venezuelan Charlie Navarro (29-9 22 KOs). Madrimov landed the title with a stunning second round KO of Frank Rojas in Verona, NY in March and maintained his 100 per cent KO ratio as a pro with sixth and fifth round wins at Madison Square Garden in the Big Apple in June and October.

The 24 year old Uzbekistani talent will be buoyed by his fellow countryman and stablemate ‘MJ’ Murodjon Akhmadaliev becoming Uzbekistan’s first ever unified champion, and victory over the experienced former World title challenger will edge Madrimov closer to a World title shot in 2020.

“I am so excited to be getting my first fight of 2020 on such a big card in Frisco,” said Madrimov. “I was so happy to watch MJ beat Daniel Roman in Miami last weekend, and that win has spurred me on to join him as a World champion this year.

“Navarro is a proud and experienced fighter and I know he will be a great test for me, but this is a great night for me to showcase my talents and show the rest of the division that I am ready to win World titles.”

It’s a huge weekend for headline star Garcia, who faces Jessie Vargas in a blockbuster Welterweight showdown in the main event. Garcia, who promotes a fight card on Friday night in Irving, Texas, will showcase two of his Garcia Promotions charges on his undercard with 20 year old unbeaten Texan Flyweight Jesse Rodriguez (10-0 6 KOs) clashing with Marco Sustaita (12-2-1 10 KOs) over ten rounds and unbeaten Mexican Middleweight Leo Ruiz Acevedo (6-0 4 KOs) taking on Dennis Knifechief (12-11 7 KOs) over six rounds.

“It’s great to have Jesse and Leo on the Frisco card that I am headlining against Jessie Vargas,” said Mikey Garcia. “Jesse’s fight with Marco is a really tough fight for both guys and it’s a real step up for Jesse, while Leo is on a great KO run and will be a threat in the Middleweight division in 2020 – February 29 is going to be a huge night of boxing and we’re looking to get three big wins.”

• Murat Gassiev vs. Jerry Forrest

• Israel Madrimov vs. Charlie Navarro

• Jesse Rodriguez vs. Marco Sustaita

• Leo Ruiz Acevedo vs. Dennis Knifechief

• Mikey Garcia vs. Jessie Vargas in headliner

• The longest reigning British World champion Kal Yafai (26-015 KOs) puts his WBA World Super-Flyweight title on the line against the former pound-for-pound king and four weight World ruler Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez (48-2 40 KOs)

• Rising Mexican sensation Julio Cesar Martinez (15-1 12 KOs) makes the first defense of his WBC World Flyweight title against unbeaten European champion Jay Harris (17-0 9 KOs)

• Matchroom Boxing USA talents Diego Pacheco (8-0 7 KOs) and Alexis Espino (5-0 4 KOs) getting their first taste of action in 2020.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW STARTING AT $25 VIA SEATGEEK

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Press Release

The WBC is pleased to confirm the Diamond belt to honor the winner of this sensational fight between two elite fighters as Mikey Garcia and Jessie Vargas clash on Saturday February 29 at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, live on DAZN in the US and on Sky Sports in the UK.

Garcia and Vargas are multi-division world champions and also are proud WBC Cares ambassadors and role models for society.

The World Boxing Council Board of Governors unanimously voted in favor to approve the WBC Diamond belt to be awarded to the winner celebrating this sensational fight between these great fighters .

The WBC Diamond belt is an iconic trophy which has been awarded to commemorate special fights. Some of the past winners of Diamond belts include Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, Bernard Hopkins and Canelo Alvarez.

[handsofstone]

Im not really digging this fight TBH, Vargas just doesn't do it for me, he's a good fighter and has mixed it with some quality fighters but he lacks that wow factor, got a decent stoppage against Soto last time out but was lucky to get a draw against Dulorme I thought, Garcia is never a Weltwerweight I thought the Spence fight would've made him realise that but he obviously wants to mix it in the glamour division, he was dire against Spence which is the first time you could say that about him in all fairness, i'd like to see him back to Lightweight or Super Lightweight, theres a lot going on down there these days with Lomachenko, Davis , Taylor and Ramirez

I still think Garcia wins this though he should be able to fiddle his way to a decision win, he looked slow and flat last time out and I'm expecting more of the same but Vargas is no Spence and although he'll try to put it on Garcia art times I see Garcia winning on points

[margaret thatcher]

Gonzalez was excellent, beautiful and accurate power punch combos. Couldn't miss with the uppercut. Yafai tried to be a bully and then ended up getting his butt gradually beaten down.

[lazboy]

Gonzalez was excellent, beautiful and accurate power punch combos. Couldn't miss with the uppercut. Yafai tried to be a bully and then ended up getting his butt gradually beaten down.

Worked him over, impressive and also a perfect right hand that finished things.

[lazboy]

I feel Vargas will try to keep him at distance like Spence but won’t be able to keep it up. Feel it will be frustrating for Garcia in the beginning but will figure him out midway and start landing.

Looking to see if Mikey has improved in strength or getting inside...not sure if I’ll be able to tell in this fight.

[Onetimeonly]

Gonzalez is greater than finito. Obviously his resume is better but the eye test is better too.