Prediction: Steve Garcia via Decision
Yeah, Garcia is taking a big step up in name value, but don’t get it twisted—his aggression and output are 100% going to give him moments in this fight. Garcia’s not afraid to get into the fire, and that confidence in his offense lets him flow. He doesn’t hesitate, he doesn’t wait for perfect shots—he lets his hands go and trusts his instincts. That’s the kind of approach that can give someone like Kattar real problems, especially early.
Kattar’s got the better pure boxing, no doubt. His technique is crisp, his jab is clean, and he’s got some of the best punch mechanics in the division. But he’s also a slow starter and tends to rely a little too much on being defensively sound instead of creating offense. Garcia’s going to come forward and make him work from the jump, and that pressure could steal rounds if Kattar takes too long to adjust.
At range, Garcia’s accuracy is underrated. He finds openings with at any angle and even though he’s wild, he’s calculated, and the volume is going to matter. As the fight goes on, he really starts mix things up with that walk-forward pressure that forces you into uncomfortable spots. If Kattar lets him dictate the tempo, Garcia’s going to get ahead and stay ahead on the cards.
So while Kattar’s the more polished boxer, Garcia’s aggression and willingness to push the pace could be the difference-maker.