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Mikey Garcia looks to become world champion once again as he challenges unbeaten Dejan Zlaticanin for the WBC Lightweight world championship in the co-main event of Frampton-Santa Cruz 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas Nevada on January 28th.
A Three Division Champion?
After winning world titles as a featherweight and junior lightweight, the Oxnard, California standout is looking to win a third weight class at the young age of 29. After spending two and a half years in the sidelines due to a contract dispute with Top Rank, Garcia returned to action and knocked out former featherweight titleholder Elio Rojas in five rounds in the undercard of Santa Cruz-Frampton 1 at the Barclays Center in New York last July 30, 2016. Now, Garcia fights again as the co-main event of the same headliner. This time around, he moves up in weight and faces a dangerous opponent, who like him is undefeated as a professional.
Dynamite In His Fists
Little is known of Dejan Zlaticanin in the U.S. market but the 32-year old fighter is known as ‘Dynamite’ for packing major power in his fists. Dinamita won the WBC title with a third round knockout of Frank Mamani and will defend it for the first time on January 28th. He owns notable wins over Petr Petrov, Ivan Redkach and Ricky Burns, too, so he isn’t a patsy.
Zlaticanin is the first fighter from Montenegro to win a boxing world title. He is also hoping to become the first superstar of the sport from his country. He gets that opportunity when he faces undoubtedly the biggest name in professional boxing career. Zlaticanin has promised not just a win. He is predicting to knockout his more popular opponent.
First Time on Big Stage
Zlaticanin is a very polished boxer who has very good offense. He mixes his punches well and is an accurate puncher. He’s not so much of a one punch knockout artist. But the accumulation of heavy blows often takes it toll on the opposition. Zlaticanin has won five of his last eight bouts by knockout. This will only be his third fight in the United States and his first on the big stage.
Loves The Challenge
Garcia has been in the limelight all of his career and he’s proven to be one of the sport’s best boxers when active. However, this is only his second fight in three years and that’s hard not to overlook especially against an excellent opponent like Zlaticanin. But when he’s on top of his game, Garcia has ridiculous skills and power. His boxing IQ and pedigree are supreme. Mikey has never backed away from a challenge and that’s why he took this fight.
Garcia is -225 favorite to beat Zlaticanin who is at +175. Despite his inactivity in recent years, he lives for these type of big fights. Zlaticanin has the power to stop Garcia, but Mikey’s boxing IQ will likely be the key here. We’re picking Mikey Garcia to win this fight
