by David P. Greisman, photo by Ryan Hafey

The first thing some members of boxing media wanted to know from Danny Garcia after his win over Samuel Vargas this past Saturday was what was said between Garcia and Keith Thurman as they went face-to-face in an in-ring confrontation.

“I said he’s next and to prepare himself for his ass-whupping,” said Garcia, who will have a welterweight unification bout with Thurman on March 4. “I got in his face He said, ‘I ain’t a cherry,’ and I said, ‘Yeah you are, because I picked you next.’”

That’s a reference to criticism Garcia has faced for picking some lower-level opponents. Thurman is not in that category.

“It’s going to be the biggest fight of the year, two young champions in their prime going head to head,” Garcia said. “That’s what boxing is all about. This is what the fans wanted to see, so they got it.”

He didn’t have any more smack to talk about Thurman.

“I really don’t have that much to say. That was just in the time of the moment,” Garcia said. “I’m not the type of guy to talk to cameras. I’m the type of guy to say it to your face, and that’s what I did.

“He don’t bother me,” Garcia added later. “He’s just a man I have to fight, so I can’t like him.”

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