Is that a wrap for Danny Garcia?

Philadelphia’s Danny Garcia, 36, (37-4, 21KOs) was stopped on Saturday night by the (seemingly ageless) Erislandy Lara.

Lara, 41, (31-3-3, 19 KOs) successfully defended his WBA 160-lb. belt for the 3rd time. Currently, the oldest world champion in boxing, he got the win when, in a smart and caring move from Garcia’s father and trainer Angel Garcia, the bout was stopped at the end of 9 before Angel saw his son take unnecessary punishment

While there was some excellent back-and-forth action in the bout, after getting dropped at the end of round 9, Garcia returned to his corner with the look of a guy who was done mentally, more so than physically.

Garcia, by all accounts, has been good with his career earnings and, unlike many fighters, wasn’t in the ring because he needed the money. 

Garcia, a former champion at junior welterweight and welterweight, was looking to add a 3rd weight world title to his collection in going for the 160-pound title. While Garcia looked strong and in good shape, middleweight seemed big for a guy who turned pro 17 years ago at 142 pounds pounds.

In a career that saw him as a long-reigning WBC champion at 140 and 147, he logged an impressive resume beating the likes of Nate Campbell, Kendall Holt, Erik Morales (twice), Amir Khan, Zab Judah, Lucas Matthysse, Lamont Peterson, Paulie Malignaggi, and Jose Benavidez jr., among others. 

The only losses in his career, besides Lara, were distance losses to world champions Errol Spence, Shawn Porter, and Keith Thurman.

After the bout, he seemed non-committal about what was next. However, if this is a wrap on his career, he can hold his head high as an outstanding fighter and world champion.  

“I’m okay. I came off a two-year layoff and tried to be great, and it wasn’t my night,” Garcia said. “No excuses. I didn’t think the layoff would affect me like that, but there’s no excuses. I couldn’t find my rhythm. He had a strong jab and was controlling the distance well.” he continued.

While the fighter in him may have wanted to continue, he had no problem with the stoppage.

“At the end of the day my dad is always gonna do what’s best for me. I tried to conquer a third division and I came up short. I’ve been at the top of the game for a long time, I take this on the chin like a true champion.”

True champion, indeed.