The former WBC champion is eyeing a return to action in the coming months after losing his title to the talented Mexican-American at the boxing capital of the world in Las Vegas back in January.
On reflection, Zlaticanin believes the reverse to Garcia will be no shame as the undefeated two-weight world title holder forges a path to what the 33 year-old says will be the top of the pound for pound rankings on the back of a convincing win over Adrien Broner over the summer.
“I think the Broner fight showed that I lost to a fighter who can be that good like Floyd and Pacquiao,.” Zlaticanin exclusively told World Boxing News.
“Garcia was the dominant fighter, he won every round and looked in great form. I definitely think he can be the P4P king in the future with some more good wins,” he added.
On his own quest to get back into championship contention, Zlaticanin says he feels less tension after dropping his ‘0’ in a 23rd career bout against Garcia at the MGM Grand.
“Now I don’t have the pressure anymore. I felt that loss and now I don’t have anything to be afraid of.
“But the fight against Garcia was terrible for me. I had the wrong tactics for that fight and it was my mistake that I stayed in front of him. I prepared to fight like that and I lost. I was like hypnotized and slow. I just don’t know what happened to me that night.”
One encounter Zlaticanin has serious interest in is the all-British clash between Anthony Crolla and ex-foe Ricky Burns as the two former world champions prepare for battle on Oct 7 at Manchester Arena.
The possibility of a fight against the winner looms large and ‘Dynamite’ sees Burns having the superior ability on the night.
“I think that’s going to be very good fight. Burns has always showed that he’s very dangerous for European fighters and I think he is going to win that fight,” predicted Zlaticanin.
Phil Jay is Editor of World Boxing News. Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay
