2021 began on a grand note as Ryan Garcia registered his 18th KO and 21st professional victory by outpointing Luke Campbell for the WBC Interim lightweight title.
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The Mexican-American came strongly from the very first round and attacked Luke Campbell with some laser-sharp shots. His time, precision, footwork baffled the Brit.
The second round began with a similar preview as Ryan Garcia cornered Luke Campbell with some big shots until getting caught with a sleek left hand that floored him. It was a big moment for ‘Cool Hand’ which earned him a lot of respect from the fans.
However, ‘KingRy’ displayed a championship mindset and regained his dominance in the third round. He battered Campbell with some good shots and cornered him again. But Luke Campbell also looked comfortable after the successful knockdown and seemed to be hunting for another one.
As the fight went deeper, both the pugilists landed big punches. But Garcia looked more aggressive as he almost secured a knockdown at the end of round five. The bell rang and Campbell got time to recover.
While the sixth round was close, Ryan Garcia sealed the day in round seventh with a brutal body shot that crumbled Campbell, and the referee had to wave off the fight.
Garcia had his moment of life with father Henry Garcia, brother Sean Garcia, training partner Canelo Alvarez, all at ringside to see the win.
Several people reacted to the fight. While some hailed ‘KingRy’, others ridiculed him for being tested against Luke Campbell. WBA champion Gervonta Davis was one of them, who criticized Garcia for being floored in the fight.
Here are some best Twitter reactions from the mix to begin the tear with action-packed boxing.
That was FUN. I LOVE great body shots in combat sports. #boxing
Tonight Ryan Garcia went from boy to man!! Getting off the floor like he did and attacking the man who put him there let’s you know that he has serious bollocks and knows no quit! Luke was blinded and didn’t see it that’s why that body shot has done that to him! #GarciaCampbell
Great fight!! Well done to both fighters
Younger man goes to older man’s body. Smart. #GarciaLuke #GarciaCampbell
F**king gutted watching that, I know it’ll kill Luke that he couldn’t beat that count he’s a proud man, Garcia much better fighter than what we all thought, respect to him on a great performance
Lomachenko went 12 rounds with Campbell. Ryan stopped him in 7. This kid is the future of the sport. #GarciaCampbell
Ryan Garcia's not bad for a so-called "Instagram boxer".
@KingRyanG has the world in front of him. I’ll sit down with him and we will decide what the next move is.
What’s next for Ryan Garcia?
The WBC Interim lightweight challenge can demand a fight against Gervonta Davis at this stage. He can also call out Teofimo Lopez (unified champion) or Devin Haney (WBC champion) for an upcoming fight.
As the unbeaten lightweight champions retain their clean records, it thrills the boxing fans to contrast them against each other. Only time will tell whether Garcia will go for the bigger challenges ahead or not.
Do you think Ryan Garcia’s performance was top-rated tonight?