Tony Harrison Campaigning for Bout Against Danny Garcia
In his junior middleweight debut, two-division champion Danny “Swift” Garcia (36-3, 21 KOs) scored a majority decision victory over former world title challenger Jose Benavidez Jr (27-2-1, 18 KOs) at Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn, New York. Aired live on SHOWTIME, “Swift” looked comfortable in the new division. He lived up to his nickname by moving in and out on Benavidez Jr, catching him with an assortment of head and body blows. It was Garcia’s first outing since a decision loss to the reigning unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr in December 2020.
With the win, Garcia instantly becomes a player at 154. Given the popularity and cache, fighters in the division will target the 34-year-old from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. One such fighter calling out Garcia is one-time junior middleweight champion Tony Harrison (29-3-1, 21KOs). The 31-year-old was ringside for Garcia – Benavidez. During the bout, SHOWTIME caught up with the pride of Detroit, Michigan and asked why he wants to get in the ring with the fighter from Philly.
WHY NOT ME?
“Right now, Danny got his feet on the edge […] I’m only here to bring him to the deep end and show him what Detroit guys do. If we’re talking about somebody that generates money to the sport, it’s Danny Garcia.
But who you’re going to jump him in front of; who’s he gonna fight? He ain’t ready for (Jermell) Charlo yet; the best thing is the guy who beat him […] I pray to God we dance next.”
Harrison’s last bout was a decision win over Sergio Garcia in April 2022. But his most standout performance was a decision victory over then-unified junior middleweight champ Jermell Charlo in December 2018. Charlo got his revenge in a rematch, stopping Harrison in the eleventh round in December 2019.
THE CHANCES OF IT HAPPENING
In theory, Harrison’s comments are sensible as he and Garcia fight for PBC. Because of his battles with Charlo, he’s a visible and viable name. With his boxing ability and advantages in height and length, Harrison believes he would take Garcia to deep waters and drown him. But does Garcia have a mutual interest?
When asked about Harrison immediately following his win over Benavidez, Garcia was indifferent. Instead, he seemed more interested in a rematch with former unified welterweight champion Keith Thurman or challenging WBA Regular middleweight champ Erislandy Lara at a catchweight of 155-pounds.
Harrison is campaigning and making a case to be a future opponent for Garcia. But the reality is that Garcia holds the cards here. If he wants it to happen, it will. At this point, Harrison appears to be on the outside looking in.
Reading Time: 3 minutes
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
