Ian Machado Garry remains confident he can beat Islam Makhachev if given another opportunity.
Speaking to DAZN Boxing while attending the weigh-ins ahead of Katie Taylor’s final boxing match in Dublin over the weekend, Garry reflected on his recent defeat to Makhachev at UFC 330 and insisted he has no doubts about his ability to bounce back.
The loss did little to diminish Garry’s belief in himself or his team.
“Proud, happy, proud of me, my team, my preparation, everything we did. Obviously annoyed about the result. That's the fight game,” Garry said. “We get back on the horse (and) we go again, because I've got 10 years in this sport to be at the highest level (and to) fight the baddest men in the world, beat them and prove that I am one of the baddest men walking the planet.”
Garry was also asked whether there was anything he would change about his performance against Makhachev.
The Irish welterweight believes he could have been more active offensively, particularly with his kicking game and his striking output.
“I definitely think the biggest thing I could have done was a bit more volume, a bit more (from) me. More kicks, more venom in the shots to the head,” Garry said.
Despite acknowledging the difficulty of fighting Makhachev, Garry maintained that he would come out on top if the two met again.
“But at the end of the day when you're stood in front of a man who has been able to beat everyone he's stood in front of, it's difficult to manoeuvre that, but I feel like if I fight him right now, I'd beat him,” he added.
Garry's confidence remains unwavering despite the setback.
“I have so much confidence in myself, so much confidence in my team and the preparation that we do. I just want to get back in there tomorrow and do it all over again.”
As for his return to competition, Garry made it clear that he does not intend to spend any unnecessary time on the sidelines.
“As soon as physically possible. Anyone, anywhere, any time, go back in there, prove I'm one of the baddest men on the planet and don't stop,” Garry said.
