By Ian S Palmer
Undefeated former WBO Super Featherweight Champion Mikey Garcia of America finally gets back into the ring after two-and-a-half years as he takes on Elio Rojas of the Dominican Republic at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York this Saturday, July 30th. Garcia last fought in January of 2014 when he beat Juan Carlos Burgos of Mexico by 12-round unanimous decision at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Rojas’ last action came two years ago in August of 2014 when he Robert Osiobe by eight-round unanimous decision. There’s no doubt both of these guys will have some ring rust to work off. The 10-round junior welterweight bout can be seen live in the U.S. on Showtime while British fans can catch it on BoxNation.
The 29-year-old Garcia of Ventura, California hasn’t been beaten as a pro yet and will climb through the ring with a perfect 34-0 record with 28 of his wins coming by Ko. He has a 68-inch reach and stands 5-foot-7. He’s also a former world featherweight champion and has been inactive due to promotional issues. Garcia has better than average power with a current knockout ratio of 82 per cent and is also a solid boxer. He’s fought 170 rounds since turning pro back in 2006. There isn’t really a weak side to Garcia’s game and his power and boxing skills have simply been too much for all of his opponents so far.
The 33-year-old Rojas turned pro in 2004 and has a record of 24-2 along with 14 Kos and 138 rounds under his belt. He has decent power with a knockout ratio of 54 per cent. Rojas also stands 5-feet-7-inches tall, but has a two-inch reach advantage with his 70-inch wingspan. Rojas has a solid chin as he’s never been stopped. His two losses came at the hands of Jhonny Garcia by 12-round unanimous decision in April of 2012 in a shot at the WBC Featherweight Championship and to Gamaliel Diaz by a 10-round split decision in 2007.
The most noticeable thing about Rojas is also his lack of activity. His last fight was 2014, his previous one was in 2012. He also just fought once in 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008 and twice in 2007. He’s faced some good boxers along the way including Hector Velazquez, Takahiro Ao and Guty Espadas Jr. Garcia has the edge in just about all departments here though. He’s faster, has more power, is a better technician and can also take a good shot. If there is a question regarding the outcome of this bout, it’s basically how will Garcia win it?
Prediction…
Both boxers are on the comeback trail after lengthy absences from the ring. This is just a 10-round bout and it’s possible there could be a few slow rounds as they both deal with ring rust. However, it’s also possible they go toe-to-toe right at the opening bell. That’s not likely though. Garcia should end up winning this bout due to his superior skills even though it’s reportedly being fought at junior welterweight, probably by decision as he remains unbeaten.
