Former world champion Danny Garcia returns to action this weekend for the first time since suffering the first defeat of his professional career.

That loss came nearly a year ago now in the form of a points defeat by split decision to welterweight champion Keith Thurman.

Now Garcia returns this weekend to take on former champion Brandon Rios – but Thurman is still not far from his mind:

“I try to knock everyone out in the first round. I’ll go and get that check. Twelve rounds or less. I’d like to get it done in under eight or six. But if not I’ll go 12 rounds. I have a great team and I’ve been training hard. I don’t blame Keith Thurman for not wanting to fight me again. I wouldn’t want to fight me two times in row. My journey and my super stardom start again on Saturday night. My job then is to show the work and that I’m still one of the superstars of this sport.”

He added:

“I’m 29 years old and in the prime of my career. It starts now. I’m ready to get back on track.”

The fight between Garcia and Rios this weekend takes place at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.