Garcia returns with a victory, knocking out Duarte and challenging the champion!
On the night of December 3, Ryan Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs) and Oscar Duarte (26-2-1, 21 KOs) faced off in the interim weight class. It was Garcia's first match since his defeat to Gervonta Davis and the first major confrontation for Duarte.
Oscar immediately took control from the first bell – something he does best. He confident from the off, putting the favourite under consistent pressure and constantly pressing him to the ropes. Garcia focused on counterattacks. His speed and toughness allowed him to deliver and punish the opponent's mistakes.
In the eighth round, Garcia finally landed a signature blow - a left hook that hit the target precisely. An additional series of blows shook Duarte. A few more hits, and the referee began the count. Oscar tried to get up at "ten," but the third man in the ring did not allow the contest to continue.
Match statistics:
According to Compubox statistics, overall, Garcia was slightly more accurate. He landed 70 out of 300 strikes. Oscar landed 69 out of 287. However, Duarte excelled in power punches: 62 hits (out of 175) against Garcia's 55 (out of 138).
Both fighters had problems with jabs. Ryan landed only 15 out of 162, while Oscar landed 7 out of 112.
Judges' notes:
At the time of the fight stoppage, Garcia was leading: twice 68-65 and 69-64.
What's next?
"That old guy beat you, we know what happened. After Romero, we can pursue Devin Haney, Teofimo Lopez," Ryan Garcia addressed Rolando Romero. The winner of today's match would like to see the WBA champion in the first super lightweight division as the next opponent. Romero tweeted that he would "win by first-round murder."