‘A little bit of Bam Rodriguez mixed with Terence Crawford’

Mickey Bey is dedicating much of his time to training emerging flyweight “King” David Garcia, 16.

Garcia recently turned pro last weekend in Mexicali, Mexico, stopping Jorge de Lara Malo (2-18), 32, of Mexico in the first round.

Bey, a former world titleholder at lightweight, has transitioned into coaching, working with notable fighters like Devin Haney. Garcia (1-0, 1 KO), of Phoenix, Arizona, might be the next breakout sensation. While the realization of his potential is surely years away, Bey holds the young fighter in high regard, comparing his footwork and aggressiveness to two elite fighters – Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez and Terence Crawford.

“A little bit of ‘Bam’ mixed with Crawford, and I know that sounds crazy to say, because that is a high bar,” Bey said. “He is already seasoned, that is how I am teaching him. A lot of guys when they are his age go out for the kill. We go for the kill, but strategically.”

Bey met Garcia through highly-ranked super middleweight contender Edgar Berlanga at the Top Rank Gym in Las Vegas where the youngster’s ability to learn quickly made a lasting impression. Bey kept in contact with Garcia’s father, David Garcia Sr., and last year he received a phone call saying Garcia was considering turning pro. Bey flew out to see him and quickly realized Garcia was ready. 

“I just took a liking to him and his family,” Bey said. “He is the perfect teenager; he lives like a teenager. He is in the gym or playing video games. His parents are all-in. He’s got a good family.”

Bey, 41, is drawing on his valuable experiences as a fighter to get the best out of the next generation. “Since I have been through it and experienced it, that helps,” he said. “I throw them in the fire in the gym. I just put him in uncomfortable situations and prepare him in the gym for that.”