The 33-year-old put in a superb performance. The fight swung one way and then the other, and Herrera was unlucky not to take Garcia’s unified belts following a titanic tussle.
Herrera, who is the only fighter to have put a dent in formidable WBO title-holder Ruslan Provodnikov’s record, is sure he did enough to claim the first-world title and believes talk of a gulf between the fighter pre-fight was exposed.
“I felt confident and felt like I belonged in there,” Herrera exclusively told World Boxing News.
“Garcia is a big puncher, but I don’t rate him highly as most. He is up there, but I think the fight went the way it did because my style poisoned him.
“I am positive I won the fight. I don’t know where the judges were that night.”
Garcia, 26, has made gripes about being tight at the weight since being handed a close decision on the scorecards and even stated that a jump to welterweight could be imminent, which Herrera is optimistic can be delayed.
“I think Garcia talking about weight could be excused,” said Herrera. “I think as long as you discipline yourself, you can make weight.
“They talked a big game before the fight that he was ready 100%, and after the fight, they come up with that, which is not professional of them.
“I think he should finish the fight with me in a rematch at 140 before he moves up. I want another chance at having a belt at 140 as I think I earned it.”
On whether an appeal has been lodged or is planned shortly, Herrera added: “My manager is talking with Golden Boy about a rematch, but if Garcia decides to move up to 147, then his belts will become vacant, and I can get a shot.
“I want to take this chance to thank all my family, friends, and fans that have supported me throughout my career and the love they have been showing me.
“Also, all the new fans that I have made and the media too. Thank you for the support. It means a lot to me.”
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