PHILADELPHIA — He's the lone champion in a market loaded with sports stars. Just don't look for Danny Garcia anywhere near the complex that the four city pro teams call home. Forget even finding him training in a state-of-the-art gym with cameras trailing him before every workout.
Each day, Garcia grinds out a championship career on the second floor of a dusty, cramped North Philadelphia gym, with only a sign that says "Swift Boxing Club."
Yes, it's easy to stride past the gritty gym. It's getting tougher to overlook Garcia.
The 24-year-old Garcia's rise to stardom peaks — for now — on Saturday night when he headlines the first major championship boxing card in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 80 years. Garcia (24-0, 15 KOs) is scheduled to defend his super lightweight belt against Erik Morales (52-8, 36 KOs) at the Barclays Center.