Is Angel Garcia The Trainer He Thinks He Is?
In the aftermath of unified IBF/WBC Welterweight World champion Errol Spence’s unanimous decision win over Danny Garcia (36-3, 21 KOs) on December 5, much of the spotlight has been on the victor. And deservedly so, as he was the one who had the most questions heading into that fight.
Coming back from over a year-plus layoff due to injuries suffered in a horrific-looking car crash, the 30-year-old from Denton, Texas looked terrific. He proved he is still an elite fighter and force at 147-pounds. While Spence is now basking in praise, what does the fight signify about Garcia, the man who was on the losing end?
The former junior welterweight and welterweight world champion performed admirably, yet he did not come up with the punches to come out on top. After the fight, his trainer/father, Angel, expressed disappointment in how his son fought.
DISAPPOINTMENT AND DELUSION
During the fight and in the post-fight press conference, Angel expressed frustration at Danny for not throwing enough punches. It is his contention if there was more activity and a greater work rate, the fight was there for the taking.
Both father and son gave Spence credit for fighting well. However, Angel was adamant that his son was ultimately the blame for his undoing. He argued that if the effort his son displayed during the final round was there from the beginning, Danny would be going home with the titles around his waist.
It is one thing to tell a fighter to get off with more shots. It is another thing to instruct a fighter what effective and proper shots to land to do the most damage. What Angel Garcia is missing is, there were no instructions to deal with Spence being taller, longer, and landing the jab at will. It was the physical attributes, the skill, and boxing intelligence that proved as problematic as the punch-rate.
What you mostly heard from him in between rounds was punch more, punch more, punch more. Where were the words about defense? Danny was getting hit with the jab, southpaw left hands, and left hooks to the body all night long.
Why did Angel not tell his son about what specific shots to counter Spence with? And did you hear anything in regards to using the jab to offset the jab of his opponent?
RINSE AND REPEAT
Here is the thing. The same critique that Angel had about his fighter regarding a low work-rate has been a prevailing theme throughout his career. And, there has not been much progression as time has gone along.
Danny Garcia’s two main issues during his career have been not just an issue of activity, but also a lack of true footwork. That second issue squares solely on the trainer. Angel’s job as a trainer is to work on that aspect of his game in the gym. It is something that has not improved over the years.
Undefeated at 140-pounds, this is Danny Garcia’s third loss since moving up to the welterweight division. And in each of those defeats, you hear the same complaints from his dad.
COME TO JESUS MEETING
At this juncture, it can be argued the dad is just much the issue as the son. Despite all of his accolades, how good is Angel Garcia as a trainer?
A legit case can be claimed that the 32-year-old from Philadelphia has stagnated as a fighter. If Angel was such an A-Class trainer, you would hear and see professional boxers knocking at his door seeking his tutelage.
That has not been the case. We do not see a litany of trainers exactly lauding his abilities as a teacher. Instead of placing sole responsibility on his son for every defeat, maybe it is time for the bombastic father to take a look in the mirror and analyze what he’s doing wrong.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
