Mikey Garcia Bio
Miguel Angel Garcia Cortez, known professionally as Mikey Garcia, is an American former professional boxer born on December 15, 1987, in Oxnard, California. Garcia competed from 2006 to 2021 and is celebrated for holding multiple world championships across four weight classes, ranging from featherweight to light welterweight. He is recognized for his technical skill, knockout power, and his achievement of world titles in multiple divisions during his career.
Early Life and Background
Mikey Garcia was born to Mexican parents in Oxnard, California. His father, Eduardo Garcia, was an amateur boxer and a trainer, notably coaching world champion Fernando Vargas. Mikey’s older brother, Roberto Garcia, was also a professional boxer and a former IBF Super Featherweight Champion. Growing up in a challenging neighborhood, Garcia was introduced to boxing at a young age, beginning his amateur career at fourteen. His family’s involvement in boxing provided a strong foundation for his development in the sport.
Garcia’s early exposure to boxing was influenced by his father’s training and his brothers’ careers. He balanced his studies with the demands of boxing during his youth, demonstrating dedication and discipline that would serve him throughout his professional career.
Path to Boxing
Garcia began his amateur career with notable success, winning medals at national junior championships in various weight divisions. He turned professional in 2006, signing with Top Rank Promotions. Early in his career, Garcia was undefeated in his first 20 professional fights, with 17 victories by knockout. His early achievements included winning the USBA Featherweight Championship and the WBO NABO Featherweight Championship, which established him as a rising star in the sport.
His transition to the national level was marked by key victories and title opportunities. Garcia’s disciplined approach and powerful style earned him recognition and paved the way for his ascent to world championship status.
Mikey Garcia Career
Early Career (2006–2013)
Garcia’s professional debut in 2006 marked the start of a rapid rise through the featherweight division. He captured the USBA Featherweight title in 2010 and continued to build momentum with a series of knockout wins. His first world title came in 2013 when he defeated Orlando Salido to win the WBO Featherweight Championship. Garcia dominated the fight, knocking Salido down four times before the bout was stopped due to an accidental head clash.
During this period, Garcia was known for his patient fighting style, strong jab, and knockout power. He successfully defended his featherweight title and began to establish himself as a top contender in multiple weight classes.
Super Featherweight and Lightweight Breakthrough (2013–2017)
In 2013, Garcia moved up to super featherweight and won the WBO Junior Lightweight title by knocking out Román Martínez. This victory made him a two-weight world champion. He defended this title successfully before moving up to lightweight. In 2017, Garcia captured the WBC Lightweight Championship by defeating Dejan Zlatičanin with a third-round knockout, becoming a three-weight world champion.
Garcia’s lightweight tenure was highlighted by his unification victory over Robert Easter Jr. in 2018, where he won the IBF lightweight title to unify the division. His performance showcased his technical skill and power, solidifying his status among boxing’s elite.
Light Welterweight and Welterweight Era (2016–2021)
Garcia transitioned to light welterweight and won the IBF title in 2018 by defeating Sergey Lipinets. This victory made him one of the few fighters in history to win world titles in four weight classes. Later, he moved up to welterweight, where he faced top competition including a high-profile bout against Errol Spence Jr. in 2019, which Garcia lost by unanimous decision.
Despite setbacks, Garcia continued to compete at welterweight, securing notable wins such as a unanimous decision over Jessie Vargas in 2020. His final professional fight was a majority decision loss to Sandor Martin in 2021. Garcia announced his retirement from professional boxing in 2022, concluding a distinguished career with a record of 40 wins, 2 losses, and 30 knockouts.
Driving Style and Strengths
Mikey Garcia was known for his orthodox stance, precise jab, and ability to switch to southpaw when advantageous. His fighting style combined technical skill with knockout power, making him effective across multiple weight classes. Garcia’s strategic approach and patience in the ring allowed him to control fights and capitalize on opponents’ weaknesses.
Notable Events and Milestones
Garcia’s career milestones include becoming a four-division world champion, joining an elite group of fighters to achieve this feat. His knockout of Dejan Zlatičanin was a highlight, earning knockout of the year consideration. Garcia’s unification of the lightweight titles and his victory over Sergey Lipinets to claim the IBF light welterweight title were defining moments. His final record stands at 40 wins, 2 losses, and 30 knockouts.
Mikey Garcia Career Wins
Throughout his career, Mikey Garcia amassed 40 professional wins, including 30 by knockout. He secured world championships in four weight divisions, demonstrating versatility and skill. His victories spanned featherweight, super featherweight, lightweight, and light welterweight divisions, with notable wins over champions and top contenders.
Featherweight Highlights
Garcia’s first world title came at featherweight when he defeated Orlando Salido in 2013. He defended the WBO Featherweight Championship successfully before moving up in weight. His early career was marked by a high knockout ratio and dominance in the division.
Super Featherweight and Lightweight Highlights
At super featherweight, Garcia won the WBO title by knocking out Román Martínez. Moving to lightweight, he captured the WBC title by defeating Dejan Zlatičanin and unified the division by beating Robert Easter Jr. His lightweight reign was a peak period, showcasing his power and technical prowess.
Light Welterweight and Welterweight Highlights
Garcia won the IBF light welterweight title in 2018, becoming a four-division world champion. He later competed at welterweight, facing elite opponents and earning significant wins such as the victory over Jessie Vargas. His career concluded after competing at this weight class.
Mikey Garcia Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Mikey Garcia comes from a boxing family with strong ties to the sport. His father, Eduardo Garcia, was an amateur boxer and trainer, and his brothers Roberto and Daniel were professional boxers and trainers. This family environment fostered Garcia’s development and passion for boxing.
Personal Life
Details about Garcia’s personal life, including marital status and children, are private. He has focused publicly on his boxing career and family heritage within the sport.
2025 Season Performance
As of 2025, Mikey Garcia has retired from professional boxing. His retirement was confirmed in 2022 after a successful career spanning 15 years. Garcia has expressed satisfaction with his accomplishments and has moved on from active competition. His legacy remains as a multi-division world champion and respected figure in boxing history.