PHARR -- The Pharr Convention Center will host ESPN’s Friday Night Fights when they come to the Valley on March 23^rd and Weslaco’s Robert Garcia will make his much anticipated return to the ring. Garcia (30-3, 21 KO’s) will face Antwone Smith (21-3-1, 12 KO’s) of Miami, Florida in a scheduled 10-round Jr. Middleweight contest and said he is excited about getting this opportunity to fight on a national television.

“I have always wanted to fight on ESPN,” said Garcia. “This is going to be a real good fight with a competitive fighter and this is what boxing should be.”

Garcia’s last fight was in May of 2011 in which he won an 8-round unanimous decision over Calvin Odom in California. Garcia was supposed to fight in October, but that card was cancelled four days before the date.

“It’s frustrating not to fight because that’s what I train for,” said Garcia.  

Though Garcia has experienced some inactivity throughout his career, it has never affected his fighting condition.

“I’m always training and I stay in fighting shape,” said Garcia.  “I’m ready to fight any day of the year but when I get something signed, that’s when I really turn it up.” 

The inactivity may not have affected his conditioning, but it has affected his ranking. 

“I was ranked #3 in the IBF at one time and I want to get that back,” said Garcia.

Garcia is no stranger to fighting on television.  His last televised fight was against former world champion Antonio Margarito in 2010 in which he lost a 10-round unanimous decision in the main event of Top Rank Boxing in Mexico.

“In that fight, the referee was frustrating me more than Margarito was,” said Garcia.  “I felt like he was being nitpicky and it kept me from getting into my rhythm.” 

Since then, Garcia has been waiting for another chance to fight on national television.

“I think T.V. exposure is what makes you and that’s how people get to see you,” said Garcia.  “God willing all will work out and I can get some more T.V. time from this fight.”

Garcia is well aware of the opportunity that he has and is optimistic of his boxing future.

 “30 is the new prime in boxing these days,” said Garcia. “Guys older than me are controlling this sport.  With this fight on ESPN, I feel like I am getting a second chance.”