CompuBox Analysis: Garcia vs. Barros

by CompuBox

Unlike most young fighters, Miguel Angel "Mikey" Garcia is never in a hurry. Since turning pro in 2006 Garcia has methodically dismantled every hurdle set in front of him, resulting in a 29-0 (25 KO) record and a top spot in the world rankings. The final step toward his first chance at a major belt will take place Saturday against someone who has already held a strap -- former WBA "regular" featherweight king Jonathan Barros, who lost by decision to IBF junior lightweight titlist Juan Carlos Salgado in his last fight.

Will Garcia successfully clear this last hurdle or will Barros force him to stumble? Their respective CompuBox histories offer the following points for consideration:

Garcia's Slow Boil: The 24-year-old Garcia prefers to start slowly and refuses to speed up until he's absolutely certain he has solved his opponent -- and not a moment sooner. Against Bernabe Concepcion, Garcia averaged 47.3 punches per round over the first three rounds, going 29 of 142 (20.4%) overall and just 7 of 28 (25%) in power shots. But from round four onward Garcia turned up the heat, firing 71 punches per round and out-landing Concepcion 83-26 overall and 49-16 in power shots to register the seventh round TKO.

See more Compubox analysis of Mike Garcia vs. Jonathan Barros on HBO.com.