Garr Bringing Heat to Snowbrawl!

Friday’s ESPN2 televised match with undefeated Matt Vanda, 29-0 (20), could be the most crucial in the career of longtime welterweight fringe contender Sam Garr, 33-7 (20). “This is it,” said Garr. “I had the two setbacks against Ishe and Chris Smith, so if I lose to Matt Vanda, I’m all done.” Garr, the former WBC Continental Americas champion, who gave a spirited challenge to then WBA world champion James Page in 1999, says he didn’t want to come back against just anyone and collect a win. “I wanted to fight a tough opponent and I feel Matt Vanda poses that kind of challenge,” he said. Garr’s longtime manager Nick Garone agrees that it’s time for his brave warrior to prove he still belongs in the upper echelon of the division. “We’re aware that we’re going into this guy’s backyard, but at this point in his career, Sam has to take these kinds of chances to try and land one last big fight.” Garr vs. Vanda is slated as the co-feature on this Friday’s show at the at The Mall of the America, in Minneapolis, MN., headlined by the 12-round IBA championship fight between Juan Garza and Koba Gogoladze.