New York – Undefeated Danny Garcia and rival world champion Lamont Peterson will defend their light-welterweight crowns on August 9, promoters announced on Tuesday, while Australian Jarrod Fletcher seeks his first world title.
The fight card at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center is topped by World Boxing Council and World Boxing Association champion Garcia, 28-0 with 16 knockouts, facing fellow American Rod Salka, 19-3 with three knockouts.
“I’ll be ready,” Garcia said. “I’ll give my fans another great show.”
Peterson, 32-2 with one drawn and 16 knockouts, defends the International Boxing Federation version of the crown against US compatriot and hometown hero Edgar Santana, 29-4 with 20 knockouts.
As much as Peterson and Garcia are out to keep their crowns, they figure to set the stage for a future showdown for the undisputed world championship.
“I’m really excited about this fight and about making a statement to the boxing world that I’m the true junior welterweight world champion,” Peterson said. “I know Danny will be watching me and I’ll be watching him. After August 9, there will be only one fight to make at 140 pounds.”
Brooklyn-based fighter Daniel Jacobs, 27-1 with 24 knockouts, has five knockout wins after returning from a 19-month layoff while fighting cancer.
He will fight 2008 Aussie Olympian Fletcher, 18-1 with 10 knockouts, for the vacant WBA middleweight championship.
“This whole comeback has been a dream so far, and what better way to keep it going than with a world title fight?” said Jacobs. “This is the fight I’ve been waiting for and no one will keep me from that belt.”
Fletcher is on a six-fight win streak.
“I know that the hometown crowd will be in Jacob’s corner, but that’s fine,” Fletcher said. “I intend on having my hand raised.” – Sapa-AFP