By Rudy Mondragón

Big news and events take place everyday. January 19, 2013 was no exception. Gennady Golovkin (25-0) won his fight and revealed to the world that he is a beatable fighter. Rocky Martinez (26-1-2) retained his WBO Super Featherweight title with a draw against Juan C Burgos (30-1-1). Most will agree that Burgos did his job in the ring and should have walked away with that belt. However, unacceptable judging determined that it was not Burgos, but Martinez who would remain champion. January 19 was also the day that Kelly Pavlik, who at age 30, announced his retirement from the sport of boxing.

The biggest news in the context of boxing and its future was the beautiful performance that Mikey Garcia (31-0) put on tonight against Orlando Salido (39-12-2). Garcia came out with big shots in the first round that helped him knock Salido down twice. He was also able to put Salido down again in the 3rd and 4th round of the fight. It was complete domination from Garcia who utilized his longer reach, counter punching ability, effective jab, and most importantly his composure to control and dictate the fight. As a boxing fan, it was just fun to watch a young prospect rise up in his first real challenge. Not only did Garcia deliver in the ring, but he also let the boxing world know that he is the real deal. The fight ended after the 8th round due to an accidental headbutt that broke Mikey Garcia’s nose. Scorecards were in Garcia’s favor, but it would have been nice to see the young man go the distance or KO his opponent.

Mikey made a statement tonight. Steve Kim (Twitter @stevemaxboxing) tweeted after the fight that Mikey Garcia “is a lot like Juan Manuel Marquez in his timing, counter-punching and precision.” I most definitely agree and would add that this young fighter also has the power and composure to be a big threat in the 126, 130 and 135 lbs weight classes. Mikey Garcia has what it takes to be relevant and stay relevant in the boxing game for a long time.

Garcia is in a good situation. The boxing world is talking about him, he has great people around him (trainer and brother Robert Garcia), boxing skills, patients, composure, and an incredibly high boxing IQ. As long as Mikey continues to work and improve his craft, stay healthy (mind, body and spirit), and stay humble, boxing fans can only expect good things to come.