Garcia went down to a decision loss against the current welterweight king in March of last year and has since taken time out to get 100 percent fit and recharge his batteries.
At just 29 years of age, Garcia still has plenty of time to make a big impact at 147 pounds and fully intends to begin proceedings with a win over Brandon Rios next month.
“I’m excited just to get back in the ring,” said Garcia. “I needed the time off to recuperate and let my body heal.
“I was the reigning champion for six years, so I needed the rest but I’m ready to kick off the year in style and take over the welterweight division.”
On the Rios fight itself, Garcia added: “What’s interesting in this fight with Brandon Rios is our styles. We both like to come forward. This kind of matchup will bring out the best in both of us.
“I’m excited to be back in Las Vegas. I’ve had some of my best performances and some of my biggest fights there. I beat Lucas Matthysse and Amir Khan in Vegas. You fight in Las Vegas, you’re a superstar,” said Garcia.
Opponent Rios, riding a June victory over Aaron Herrera following a two-year absence, is eyeing another scalp en route to a further world title push.
“I’m excited to prove my critics wrong again,” said Rios. “I’m bringing a ‘Bam Bam’ Rios slugfest to my fans.
“Danny is a great fighter, but I will beat him just like I have beat others in the past. I am focused and will make this a classic Mexican-Puerto Rican battle!”
