Brick City Boxing

Vega Baja, Puerto Rico - During his ten year pro career, Welterweight contender Irving “Chuma” Garcia 17-3-3 (8 KO’s) has dealt with plenty of adversity as a fighter but is still dissatisfied with his status. From a disappointing loss against power punching contender Said Ouali to a controversial technical draw in a WBA interim title fight with Yuriy Nuzhnenko, Garcia fell just short during his most lucrative bouts. The narrowly missed opportunities had caused a distraction for Garcia, as he become overanxious for another crack at a top fighter.

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After refocusing and rededicating himself to what was directly in front of him, Garcia began to take things step by step rather than leaps and bounds. Back at his best following an October decision victory over former top prospect Chris Smith, Garcia knew he was where he wanted to be and another opportunity to take center stage was on the horizon.

“I worked my tail off in the gym and it showed during my last fight”, mentioned Garcia. “I’ve spared a ton since beating Smith and was ready for an opportunity once it came my way.”

This Friday, Garcia will have the opportunity to once again spring himself into the title picture when he will battle highly rated Argentinean Carlos Abregu on ShoBox: The Next Generation. Coming into the ring with an impressive record of 26-0 with 21 KO’s, Abregu possesses solid power and has made a name for himself in the US by scoring a dominating knockout over Thomas Davis as well as earning a gutsy decision over perennial contender David Estrada in December.

Stepping into the ring with a renowned rising star like Abregu, Garcia understands the cards are stacked against him. Coming into the fight as the underdog, Garcia only uses others doubts as motivation to pull off a victory against a fighter he feels is perfect for him.

“He comes forward and throws plenty of looping shots”, said Garcia, who has sparred countless rounds with pound for pound elite Miguel Cotto during the last five years. “I have fought plenty of guys like Abregu in both the pros and amateurs. I am going to show him my skills, fight when I have to fight and box when I have to box. I know this is do or die for me so I am coming out to make a statement.”

ShoBox: The Next Generation will air live Friday May 1 at 11 PM ET on the Showtime Network.

Garcia is promoted by Starfight Productions. Starfight Productions is based out of Tampa, Florida and is operated by Aaron Jacobs, Shea Bailey, Pete Fernandez, Mike Asmer, and Randy Feldman.