Danny Garcia pumped up but trying not to look ahead to Keith Thurman fight

Danny Garcia admits he is already "pumped up" ahead of next year's unification fight with Keith Thurman.

The WBC welterweight world champion gets in the ring for the first time in almost 10 months in Philadelphia on Saturday, against Samuel Vargas.

Garcia's eagerly-anticipated showdown with WBA Super champion Thurman is scheduled for March 4, but 'Swift' is trying not to look too far ahead.

"I know people are excited about the Thurman fight," he said.

"I understand that and I'm going to be pumped up for that one too. But I'm not looking past anybody.

"I'm fully focused on putting on a show at home and doing what I have to do to beat Vargas."

Garcia (32-0-KO18) will be boxing in his hometown for the first time in six years, having topped bills in Las Vegas, New York and Los Angeles of late.

The two-weight world champion picked up the WBC welterweight belt vacated by Floyd Mayweather's retirement by beating Robert Guerrero in January, but is more concerned with giving something back to his local support.

"I'm feeling good and I'm happy to bring my fans in Philadelphia a fight," he said.

"I'm looking forward to bringing more fights back here to Philadelphia. This is a fighting city where it all started for a lot of great fighters."

Vargas (25-2-1-KO13), born in Colombia but now boxing out of Canada, knows he is the underdog but is planning to spring a major shock and upset Garcia.

The 27-year-old was stopped in four rounds by Kell Brook's IBF mandatory challenger, Errol Spence Jr, last April but is in confident mood.

"I'm looking for the upset that night," he said.

"Everyone wants to see Danny fight Keith Thurman, but I'm looking to make myself known. I feel confident. 

"All I have to do is go up there and do my job. Don't miss it, because it's going to be a memorable one."