'No excuses' - Danny Garcia in reflective mood after comeback defeat to Erislandy Lara

Danny Garcia says he will take defeat "on the chin like a true champion" after he failed to overcome Erislandy Lara in Las Vegas.

The former two-weight world champion could not defeat his opponent in a WBA middleweight title encounter on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez's victory over Edgar Berlanga.

Fighting for the first time since a victory over Jose Benavidez Jr. in July 2022, Garcia had been hopeful that he could establish his credentials at the top of a third division.

But following a ninth-round loss, the 36-year-old was in a reflective mood, refusing to shift the blame on a frustrating defeat.

"I'm okay. I came off a two-year layoff and tried to be great, and it wasn't my night," he said afterwards. "No excuses. I didn't think the layoff would affect me like that

"But there's no excuses. I couldn't find my rhythm. He had a strong jab and was controlling the distance well.”

Garcia waved off the bout after a conversation with father and trainer Angel Garcia, with the fighter adding: "At the end of the day my dad is always gonna do what's best for me.

"I tried to conquer a third division and I came up short. I've been at the top of the game for a long time, I take this on the chin like a true champion."

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