And just like that it was over.  A stiff jab and razor sharp right hand and Mikey Garcia improved his undefeated record to 29-0 with 21 of those wins coming by KO. This was a stay busy fight but Garcia did exactly what he was supposed to do and got his opponent journey man Mauricio Pastrana up out of there.

It should be noted that Mikey Garcia is my favorite young fighter in the sport and it appears he is fighting one of the members of Full Force in the back of New Mexico bar, but I do think he has all the makings of a future champion who can hold his belt for years.  While he may not be as flashy as some of his counterparts Gamboa, Juan Ma or even Nonito Donaire (if he moves up) I think he has the fundamental integrity and pedigree to eventually beat them all.

One thing I always remind myself of every young athlete but fighters especially is until they have been tested they simply haven’t been tested.  I have no idea if Mikey can get up off the canvas and regain his equilibrium and score a late dramatic come from behind win.  I do know that is clever in the ring, has a phenomenal jab, and always tries to the close the show with a knockout.

A bout between him and Orlando Salido appears to be on the horizon and that is a fight I simply refuse to miss.  It will be Garcia’s toughest test to date, Salido has been in with and beaten world class fighters, but I think Mikey’s discipline and straighter punches should be the difference.  I would be surprised if Garcia stopped Salido, so I look for him to win a pretty close decision in an exciting fight.

To the KO:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVSgUX-jf5A&t=1m38s