Gracia was dropped for the first time in his career during the second round of their highly-anticipated bout at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.But the 22-year-old fought back to secure the title via TKO in the seventh round.
Watch Boxing Live & On-Demand on Kayo. Selected international fights, classic bouts and more. New to Kayo? Get your free trial now & start streaming instantly >
The decisive blow came with an inconspicuous body shot, which sent Campbell crumbling to the floor, spurring the referee to wave his hands and end the contest.It was a stunning recovering after the second round knockdown, where a vicious left hook sent Garcia to the canvas.
“Yo, I got dropped. It was crazy!” Garcia yelled after the victory.“I‘ve never been dropped in my life. I got a little too excited about the moment. I wanted to crack him and he cracked me. I had to adjust. I knew I could beat him. I had to show everyone what a warrior is really like.”“He was very worried about that hook coming. He thought I was going up top and I changed direction real quick.“I think I showed a lot of people who I really am. They wanted to call me a social media star. You aren’t who people tell you who you are, you are who you choose to be.”
Sports journalist Chris Slater tweeted: “I think the reaction of Garcia and his team tells you everything there. He knew he was in a fight. Great effort from Campbell. Just a shame he couldn‘t get out of the pocket quick enough. Unbelievable punch to finish it.”Sports reporter Aaron Stokes posted: “Ryan Garcia – very impressive to pick himself up after that 2nd round knockdown and dominate the later rounds of the fight. Incredible body shot to win it.”Garcia’s unbeaten record extends to 21 professional bouts, with 18 KOs. By claiming the interim title, he becomes the mandatory challenger to WBC champion Devin Haney.
FULL CARD RESULTS
Ryan Garcia defeated Luke Campbell via TKO (R7)
Roger Gutierrez defeated Rene Alvarado via unanimous decision (113-112 x3)Felix Alvarado defeated DeeJay Kriel via TKO (R10)Raul Curiel defeated Ramses Agaton via TKO (R2)Sean Garcia defeated Rene Marquez via majority decision (38-38, 39-37 x2)
Source link
