Hector Luis Garcia has his biggest opportunity – and challenge – yet against Gervonta Davis on pay-per-view Saturday.
Can Hector Luis Garcia do it again?
The Dominican stunned the boxing world by easily outpointing rising star Chris Colbert in February and then did the same against Roger Gutierrez to win a 130-pound title in August, completing a breakthrough year for the 2016 Olympian.
He faces an even bigger challenge at 135-pounds on pay-per-view Saturday in Washington, D.C.: Gervonta Davis.
“Davis in my opinion is a top pound-for-pound fighter and one of the biggest punchers in boxing, so I know going into this fight that I’m an underdog,” Garcia said. “Not a lot of people are giving me a chance in this fight, but that’s what motivates me. I was in the same situation going into the Colbert fight, but this time I had a real training camp.
“I believe my style will give ‘Tank’ problems. I’m a southpaw with many tricks, and I will be using all of them when I step in the ring on January 7.”
Garcia (16-0, 10 KOs) will have to use all of them against Davis, who is a significant step up from Colbert.
Davis (27-0, 25 KOs) is one of the best boxers in the world and a knockout artist. The latter can’t be said for Colbert, who didn’t have the punching power to give the hard-charging Garcia a reason to back off.
Plus, Garcia will be moving up in weight for the fight. He fought at 126 as recently as December 2020.
That’s why Garcia is around a 10-1 underdog (average of multiple betting outlets). And it’s why a victory would be all the more meaningful for the 31-year-old.
If Garcia has his hand raised Saturday, he will have transitioned from a relative unknown to a two-division champion and conqueror of one of the sport’s biggest stars in a span of only three fights.
“A victory against ‘Tank’ will solidify me as one of the best fighters in the world,” Garcia said. “I already believe that in my own mind, but the world will realize how good I am after this fight. I didn’t get here by myself. I want to thank my team for all their support.
“Getting this fight has changed my life forever, but winning it will do wonders for everyone on my team.”
Hector Luis Garcia has his biggest opportunity – and challenge – yet against Gervonta Davis on pay-per-view Saturday.
Can Hector Luis Garcia do it again?
The Dominican stunned the boxing world by easily outpointing rising star Chris Colbert in February and then did the same against Roger Gutierrez to win a 130-pound title in August, completing a breakthrough year for the 2016 Olympian.
He faces an even bigger challenge at 135-pounds on pay-per-view Saturday in Washington, D.C.: Gervonta Davis.
“Davis in my opinion is a top pound-for-pound fighter and one of the biggest punchers in boxing, so I know going into this fight that I’m an underdog,” Garcia said. “Not a lot of people are giving me a chance in this fight, but that’s what motivates me. I was in the same situation going into the Colbert fight, but this time I had a real training camp.
“I believe my style will give ‘Tank’ problems. I’m a southpaw with many tricks, and I will be using all of them when I step in the ring on January 7.”
Garcia (16-0, 10 KOs) will have to use all of them against Davis, who is a significant step up from Colbert.
Davis (27-0, 25 KOs) is one of the best boxers in the world and a knockout artist. The latter can’t be said for Colbert, who didn’t have the punching power to give the hard-charging Garcia a reason to back off.
Plus, Garcia will be moving up in weight for the fight. He fought at 126 as recently as December 2020.
That’s why Garcia is around a 10-1 underdog (average of multiple betting outlets). And it’s why a victory would be all the more meaningful for the 31-year-old.
If Garcia has his hand raised Saturday, he will have transitioned from a relative unknown to a two-division champion and conqueror of one of the sport’s biggest stars in a span of only three fights.
“A victory against ‘Tank’ will solidify me as one of the best fighters in the world,” Garcia said. “I already believe that in my own mind, but the world will realize how good I am after this fight. I didn’t get here by myself. I want to thank my team for all their support.
“Getting this fight has changed my life forever, but winning it will do wonders for everyone on my team.”
Gervonta Davis said he’s taking nothing for granted against Hector Luis Garcia on Jan. 7.
Gervonta Davis is confident but he’s not stupid.
The unbeaten lightweight contender saw what Hector Luis Garcia did against Chris Colbert early this year. He wants to be certain he doesn’t suffer a similar fate when he meets the Dominican on pay-per-view Jan. 7 in Washington, D.C.
Garcia, relatively unknown at the time, stunned the boxing world by easily outpointing Colbert last February before defeating Roger Gutierrez to win a junior lightweight title.
“Hector is a sound fighter who’s beat some top guys,” said Davis, who’s coming off a sixth-round knockout of Rolando Romero in May. “He’s a durable guy who’s coming to fight. He’s undefeated and he’s a great opponent. You can’t sleep on him. If you’re sleeping on him, he might put you to sleep.”
Indeed, Garcia (16-0, 10 KOs) can be seen as a stepping stone in that Davis and Ryan Garcia have agreed to meet in a super fight next year but he’s not a pushover.
The 2016 Olympian is a skillful, experienced boxer with an aggressive style that can wear down even an elite opponent, as we saw in the Colbert fight.
The problem for Hector Luis Garcia might be two-fold: He’s moving up in weight and Davis (27-0, 25 KOs) punches a lot harder than Colbert does, which can be a deterrent to any hard charging opponent.
Still, Davis doesn’t plan to rush anything.
“I know that someone like Garcia isn’t just someone stepping in,” Davis said. “He’s been training for me for a long time. … I can’t just go in there and try to knock everyone out right away.
“I have to show that I have more than just punching power. I have skills.”
No one has more confidence in Davis than longtime trainer Calvin Ford.
Ford also respects Garcia but believes his popular protégé is ready to soar, against both of the Garcias and beyond.
“We’ve got a tough task,” Ford said of the Jan. 7 bout. “This fight is more mental than physical. I think it’s similar to the Jose Pedraza fight (TKO 7) because Garcia is also an undefeated Olympian who’s a world champion. We’re just ready to go to that next level. …
“I’ve been with Gervonta since the amateurs and now we’re at the level where he’s that guy. I’m looking to see Gervonta put his stamp on his brand as a fighter.”
Gervonta Davis said he’s taking nothing for granted against Hector Luis Garcia on Jan. 7.
Gervonta Davis is confident but he’s not stupid.
The unbeaten lightweight contender saw what Hector Luis Garcia did against Chris Colbert early this year. He wants to be certain he doesn’t suffer a similar fate when he meets the Dominican on pay-per-view Jan. 7 in Washington, D.C.
Garcia, relatively unknown at the time, stunned the boxing world by easily outpointing Colbert last February before defeating Roger Gutierrez to win a junior lightweight title.
“Hector is a sound fighter who’s beat some top guys,” said Davis, who’s coming off a sixth-round knockout of Rolando Romero in May. “He’s a durable guy who’s coming to fight. He’s undefeated and he’s a great opponent. You can’t sleep on him. If you’re sleeping on him, he might put you to sleep.”
Indeed, Garcia (16-0, 10 KOs) can be seen as a stepping stone in that Davis and Ryan Garcia have agreed to meet in a super fight next year but he’s not a pushover.
The 2016 Olympian is a skillful, experienced boxer with an aggressive style that can wear down even an elite opponent, as we saw in the Colbert fight.
The problem for Hector Luis Garcia might be two-fold: He’s moving up in weight and Davis (27-0, 25 KOs) punches a lot harder than Colbert does, which can be a deterrent to any hard charging opponent.
Still, Davis doesn’t plan to rush anything.
“I know that someone like Garcia isn’t just someone stepping in,” Davis said. “He’s been training for me for a long time. … I can’t just go in there and try to knock everyone out right away.
“I have to show that I have more than just punching power. I have skills.”
No one has more confidence in Davis than longtime trainer Calvin Ford.
Ford also respects Garcia but believes his popular protégé is ready to soar, against both of the Garcias and beyond.
“We’ve got a tough task,” Ford said of the Jan. 7 bout. “This fight is more mental than physical. I think it’s similar to the Jose Pedraza fight (TKO 7) because Garcia is also an undefeated Olympian who’s a world champion. We’re just ready to go to that next level. …
“I’ve been with Gervonta since the amateurs and now we’re at the level where he’s that guy. I’m looking to see Gervonta put his stamp on his brand as a fighter.”
Photos: Gervonta Davis open workout at 5th Street Gym in Miami.
Lightweight contender Gervonta Davis and trainer Calvin Ford conducted an open workout Wednesday at 5th Street Gym in Miami.
Davis is scheduled to face junior lightweight titleholder Hector Garcia in a pay-per-view event on Jan. 7 in Washington, D.C., not far from Davis’ hometown of Baltimore.
“I’m just locked in through the holidays,” Davis said. “I’ll do some stuff with my kids, but other than that I’m totally committed to this fight and training for it.”
Here are images from the workout. All photos by Jose Pineiro of Showtime.
Gervonta Davis: “I’m ready to go through everybody that’s in my way.”
Gervonta Davis has some serious business to take care of before an announced showdown with Ryan Garcia next year.
That business is a 135-pound fight on Jan. 7 with another capable opponent, Hector Garcia, a 130-pound titleholder who left no doubt about his ability when he easily outpointed previously unbeaten Chris Colbert this past February.
“We’re gonna go back into training camp right after today because we’re not sleeping on this guy,” Davis said Monday during a news conference. “I know we have two fights lined up, but I’m only focused on this one.
“I’m ready to go through everybody that’s in my way.”
Davis (27-0, 25 KOs) is already popular, a three-division champion and one of the most respected fighters in the world. He’s No. 10 on Boxing Junkie’s pound-for-pound list and climbing.
However, a victory over Garcia (16-0, 10 KOs) and another in a massive fight with Garcia would bring him closer to superstardom.
“This is just me trying to get over that hump,” Davis said. “I don’t think of it as a dream come true. I’m not where I want to be yet. This fight is the next step.”
One advantage Davis might have over Garcia: He’ll be fighting in his backyard. The fight will take place at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., not far from his home in Baltimore. The news conference also was in D.C.
Davis hasn’t fought in the area since he stopped Ricardo Nunez in Baltimore in July 2019.
“It feels good to be back home,” he said. “All the greats have fought here and now I get to come back home and put on a great event. I love getting everyone together to have a party. That’s what it is.”
Of course, Garcia would love to spoil the party.
The 2016 Olympian from the Dominican Republic has had a huge year, stopping Colbert and then easily outpointing Roger Gutierrez to win his 130-pound belt in August.
Garcia is aware that most people see him as a longshot to beat Davis, particularly because he will be moving up in weight for the fight. He insists he’s capable of delivering a second major upset in three fights.
“I’m not fazed by anything people say,” he said. “I know who I am and I know what to do. My preparation has been so good that I’m going to be ready to give 100%. … I know that I’m facing one of the best fighters out there, but I’m fully confident I have what it takes to win.
“I’m taking my normal approach to this fight. I’m a great fighter too. I have Olympic experience. We have no reason to change our preparation for this fight.”
If Garcia wins? He likes the idea of facing Garcia, although he believes his biggest challenge will come on Jan. 7.
“If I beat Tank on January 7, I’d be happy to go after a fight against Ryan Garcia,” he said. “I don’t think he’s on the same level as me and Gervonta.”
Gervonta Davis: “I’m ready to go through everybody that’s in my way.”
Gervonta Davis has some serious business to take care of before an announced showdown with Ryan Garcia next year.
That business is a 135-pound fight on Jan. 7 with another capable opponent, Hector Garcia, a 130-pound titleholder who left no doubt about his ability when he easily outpointed previously unbeaten Chris Colbert this past February.
“We’re gonna go back into training camp right after today because we’re not sleeping on this guy,” Davis said Monday during a news conference. “I know we have two fights lined up, but I’m only focused on this one.
“I’m ready to go through everybody that’s in my way.”
Davis (27-0, 25 KOs) is already popular, a three-division champion and one of the most respected fighters in the world. He’s No. 10 on Boxing Junkie’s pound-for-pound list and climbing.
However, a victory over Garcia (16-0, 10 KOs) and another in a massive fight with Garcia would bring him closer to superstardom.
“This is just me trying to get over that hump,” Davis said. “I don’t think of it as a dream come true. I’m not where I want to be yet. This fight is the next step.”
One advantage Davis might have over Garcia: He’ll be fighting in his backyard. The fight will take place at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., not far from his home in Baltimore. The news conference also was in D.C.
Davis hasn’t fought in the area since he stopped Ricardo Nunez in Baltimore in July 2019.
“It feels good to be back home,” he said. “All the greats have fought here and now I get to come back home and put on a great event. I love getting everyone together to have a party. That’s what it is.”
Of course, Garcia would love to spoil the party.
The 2016 Olympian from the Dominican Republic has had a huge year, stopping Colbert and then easily outpointing Roger Gutierrez to win his 130-pound belt in August.
Garcia is aware that most people see him as a longshot to beat Davis, particularly because he will be moving up in weight for the fight. He insists he’s capable of delivering a second major upset in three fights.
“I’m not fazed by anything people say,” he said. “I know who I am and I know what to do. My preparation has been so good that I’m going to be ready to give 100%. … I know that I’m facing one of the best fighters out there, but I’m fully confident I have what it takes to win.
“I’m taking my normal approach to this fight. I’m a great fighter too. I have Olympic experience. We have no reason to change our preparation for this fight.”
If Garcia wins? He likes the idea of facing Garcia, although he believes his biggest challenge will come on Jan. 7.
“If I beat Tank on January 7, I’d be happy to go after a fight against Ryan Garcia,” he said. “I don’t think he’s on the same level as me and Gervonta.”
Gervonta Davis is scheduled to face Hector Garcia on Jan. 7 in a prelude to a showdown with Ryan Garcia.
The path to Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia just became more clear.
Davis, a 135-pound contender, will face 130-pound titleholder Hector Garcia on Jan. 7 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., a fight that is expected to lead to a showdown with Garcia in the spring, it was announced Friday.
Garcia (16-0, 10 KOs) stunned the boxing world by easily outpointing hot prospect Chris Colbert in February and following that by taking Roger Gutierrez’s WBA belt by a one-sided decision in August.
However, moving up in weight to face a fighter of Davis’ ability will be a daunting challenge for the 31-year-old Dominican.
It was announced Thursday that Davis and Garcia intend to meet in a compelling matchup of popular young knockout artists if they win interim bouts, although Garcia hasn’t confirmed he will have a fight before meeting Davis.
Davis also has a legal issue he must overcome. The 28-year-old from Baltimore is scheduled to be tried on Dec. 12 for an alleged hit-and-run incident in November 2020.
Still, Showtime and Golden Boy Promotions confirmed the projected Davis-Garcia event.
Said Stephen Espinoza, president of Showtime Sports: ““Tank Davis vs. Ryan Garcia is one of the biggest and most exciting fights that can be made in boxing. We have two supremely talented boxers, both in their prime, who have amassed huge fanbases, meeting in a career defining fight. This is the epitome of a crossover boxing event. All credit to Tank and Ryan for staying the course and giving the fans the fight they want.”
Oscar De La Hoya of Golden Boy tweeted his confirmation.
“The fans have been crystal clear that the fight they want is Ryan versus Tank,” De La Hoya said. “Golden Boy Promotions and I are proud to be leading the drive to get this fight signed and are excited to get a deal finalized ASAP. It’s high time that those outside the ring stop getting in the way of those who want nothing more than to get into the ring and fight.”
Davis is a former two-time 130-pound titleholder who also won secondary titles at 135 and 140, going 5-0 (5 KOs) in championship fights. He gave up all of his belts.
“Tank” is coming off a sixth-round knockout of Rolando Romero at 135 this past May. That followed a unanimous decision over stubborn Isaac Cruz in December, a bout in which Davis said he fought with an injured hand.
Garcia, 24, took a break from boxing last year to deal with his mental health but returned to defeat Emmanuel Tagoe (UD) and formidable Javier Fortuna (KO 6) in April and July in 140-pound bouts, respectively.
The Los Angeles-area fighter’s biggest victory came in January of last year, when he knocked out 2012 Olympic champion Luke Campbell in seven round at 135.
Gervonta Davis is scheduled to face Hector Garcia on Jan. 7 in a prelude to a showdown with Ryan Garcia.
The path to Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia just became more clear.
Davis, a 135-pound contender, will face 130-pound titleholder Hector Garcia on Jan. 7 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., a fight that is expected to lead to a showdown with Garcia in the spring, it was announced Friday.
Garcia (16-0, 10 KOs) stunned the boxing world by easily outpointing hot prospect Chris Colbert in February and following that by taking Roger Gutierrez’s WBA belt by a one-sided decision in August.
However, moving up in weight to face a fighter of Davis’ ability will be a daunting challenge for the 31-year-old Dominican.
It was announced Thursday that Davis and Garcia intend to meet in a compelling matchup of popular young knockout artists if they win interim bouts, although Garcia hasn’t confirmed he will have a fight before meeting Davis.
Davis also has a legal issue he must overcome. The 28-year-old from Baltimore is scheduled to be tried on Dec. 12 for an alleged hit-and-run incident in November 2020.
Still, Showtime and Golden Boy Promotions confirmed the projected Davis-Garcia event.
Said Stephen Espinoza, president of Showtime Sports: ““Tank Davis vs. Ryan Garcia is one of the biggest and most exciting fights that can be made in boxing. We have two supremely talented boxers, both in their prime, who have amassed huge fanbases, meeting in a career defining fight. This is the epitome of a crossover boxing event. All credit to Tank and Ryan for staying the course and giving the fans the fight they want.”
Oscar De La Hoya of Golden Boy tweeted his confirmation.
“The fans have been crystal clear that the fight they want is Ryan versus Tank,” De La Hoya said. “Golden Boy Promotions and I are proud to be leading the drive to get this fight signed and are excited to get a deal finalized ASAP. It’s high time that those outside the ring stop getting in the way of those who want nothing more than to get into the ring and fight.”
Davis is a former two-time 130-pound titleholder who also won secondary titles at 135 and 140, going 5-0 (5 KOs) in championship fights. He gave up all of his belts.
“Tank” is coming off a sixth-round knockout of Rolando Romero at 135 this past May. That followed a unanimous decision over stubborn Isaac Cruz in December, a bout in which Davis said he fought with an injured hand.
Garcia, 24, took a break from boxing last year to deal with his mental health but returned to defeat Emmanuel Tagoe (UD) and formidable Javier Fortuna (KO 6) in April and July in 140-pound bouts, respectively.
The Los Angeles-area fighter’s biggest victory came in January of last year, when he knocked out 2012 Olympic champion Luke Campbell in seven round at 135.
Good, bad, worse: Oleksandr Usyk’s greatness, Anthony Joshua’s foibles.
A critical look at the past week in boxing
GOOD
Anthony Joshua was better and more determined on Saturday than he was in his first fight with Oleksandr Usyk. In other words, the former two-time heavyweight champion was more dangerous.
And Usyk still won what I believe was a clear victory.
If there was any doubt about the Ukrainian marvel’s place among the best heavyweights – and boxers in general – of his era, they dissipated into the dry air of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Usyk didn’t dominate Joshua, which would’ve been too much to ask given Joshua’s size, ability and focus in this fight. But he did about as well as he could to earn a split-decision nod, which is all we can expect of any fighter.
Joshua, somewhat more aggressive than he was in the first fight, got off to a strong start primarily by going to the body. Usyk adjusted after a few rounds and then began to outbox the challenger.
Joshua rallied in Rounds 8 and especially 9, when he seemed to stun Usyk more than once. The champion withstood that pressure and controlled the fight down the stretch. He won the final three rounds on two cards and two rounds on the third.
That’s what great fighters do. They overcome adversity and do what it takes to seize victory against their most-capable opponents.
Usyk did that at cruiserweight, at which he became undisputed champion. And at heavyweight he defeated one of the most-feared heavyweights of the past few decades in back to back fights, which is a remarkable achievement.
Now could come the hardest part: Tyson Fury, his fellow titleholder. They now appear to be on a collision course. I expect them to meet early next year in what is now the biggest possible showdown in the sport.
Fury isn’t Joshua. He’s bigger and better than his countryman, which would present the ultimate challenge for Usyk. I’ll never pick against Fury, who I believe is the best active heavyweight.
I wouldn’t put anything past Usyk, though. Great fighters do great things.
BAD
Anthony Joshua (left) had his most success when he imposed his size and strength on Oleksandr Usyk. Giuseppe Cacace / AFP via Getty Images)
Joshua clearly used his size and strength advantages over Usyk more than he did in their first fight, generally pushing the action, consistently attacking Usyk’s body and jumping on him when he appeared to have him hurt in Round 9.
However, Joshua didn’t fight aggressively enough. And it cost him what would’ve been a career-defining victory.
Joshua revealed what might’ve been his path to success in that ninth round, when he had Usyk in trouble. He suddenly reached into the past and became a fierce warrior, one with unbridled confidence in his ability to destroy his opponents.
That’s how Joshua should’ve fought the entire fight. Instead, he essentially tried to outbox a boxing wizard, which was a bad idea.
Usyk rebounded from the precarious Round 9 to dominate the next round and control the rest of the fight as Joshua reverted to the relatively tentative fighter who wasn’t willing to take the risks necessary to turn the tables on his conqueror.
To be fair, Joshua acquitted himself well. He pushed Usyk to his limits and came within a few rounds of reclaiming his place at the pinnacle of his division. He should find some solace in that.
At the same time, a fighter once destined for greatness has now lost three of his past five fights, including chubby Andy Ruiz Jr.’s unforgettable upset in 2019. That type of run from Joshua would’ve been unfathomable a few years ago.
His story isn’t completely written, however. He can point out that he avenged the setback to Ruiz and came fairly close to doing so in his rematch with Usyk, a clear indication that he can still hold his own against elite opposition.
Who knows? Maybe he still has a great victory in him yet.
WORSE
I’ve had doubts about Joshua’s mental toughness since his first fight with Ruiz but I always thought of him as a classy guy. Now I’m not sure about that.
His post-fight rant after grabbing the microphone and refusing to relinquish it was disturbing, in part because he pulled a Kanye West by stealing Usyk’s moment. Some of his diatribe made sense, some of it didn’t. All of it was bizarre.
He gave Usyk credit during his soliloquy, which was a positive.
“This guy to beat me tonight … maybe I could’ve done better … but it shows the levels of hard work he must have put in. So please give him a round of applause as our heavyweight champion of the world,” Joshua said.
He also took the opportunity to respond to his critics, who have questioned his fighting style and spirt.
That’s fine but he could’ve said the same thing in a proper interview, which would’ve been more respectful to Usyk and everyone else watching.
Then, after he finally gave up the mic, he became angry. He somehow gained possession of two of Usyk’s championship belts, tossed them over the ropes and stormed out of the ring toward his dressing room. Then, after he apparently realizing he made the wrong move, he returned to embrace Usyk.
I’m not going to dismiss Joshua as a bad egg based on one emotionally charged speech. I doubt I’ll look at him quite the same, though.
RABBIT PUNCHES
I have a lot of respect for judge Glenn Feldman, which is why I was surprised by his score in the Usyk-Joshua fight. He had Joshua winning 115-113, seven rounds to five. I scored it for Usyk by the same score so I can’t say that Feldman’s card was outrageous. However, I don’t see how he found seven rounds to give Joshua. Once again, though, the right man had his hand raised. That’s what counts. The other two judges had Usyk winning 116-112 and 115-113. … Usyk had a big edge in CompuBox numbers, for what it’s worth. He landed 170 of 712 punches overall to 124 of 492 for Joshua. And Usyk outlanded Joshua 79-29 in the last three rounds. … No elite heavyweight will be afraid to fight contender Filip Hrgovic (15-0, 12 KOs) going forward. The Croatian, who has had trouble luring other top big men into the ring, was knocked down in the first round and eked out a close, unanimous decision against Zhang Zhilei (24-1-1, 19 KOs) on the Usyk-Joshua card. Hrgovic looked like an ordinary heavyweight, not the next great thing. The good news for him is that he won the fight and will have learned from the experience. … Callum Smith (29-1, 21 KOs) easily dispatched Mathieu Bauderlique (21-2, 12 KOs), brutally stopping the Frenchman in the fourth round in their 175-pound bout on the Usyk-Joshua card. The Liverpudlian looked like he could be competitive with anyone not named Canelo Alvarez. …
I was uncomfortable watching the fight between Sergey Lipinets (17-2-1, 13 KOs) and Omar Figureoa Jr. (28-3-1, 19 KOs). And I know I wasn’t alone. Figueroa looked horrible in his previous fight, a sixth-round knockout loss to Abel Ramos, and had been out of the ring for more than 15 months. Still, he was originally paired with Adrian Broner in a main event on Showtime. Broner pulled out and was replaced by Lipinets, who posed an even bigger challenge for Figueroa. The result was predictable. Lipinets battered Figueroa until the latter’s father/trainer stopped the beat down after eight rounds to save Figueroa from further punishment. Figueroa should never been in the ring. Thank goodness the former lightweight titleholder recognized the fact he’s shot and said he’s finished as an active fighter. … Hector Garcia (16-0, 10 KOs) is a great story. The 2016 Olympian for his native Dominican Republic was a relative unknown six months ago. Now, after an upset victory over Chris Colbert and a unanimous decision over Roger Gutierrez (26-4-1, 20 KOs) on the Lipinets-Figueroa card, he’s a 130-pound world champion and a major player in the sport. The ability to change one’s life overnight is one of the great things about boxing. …
I have no problem with the judges giving Alberto Puello (21-0, 10 KOs) a split-decision nod over Batyr Akhmedov (9-2, 8 KOs) in their battle for a vacant 140-pound title on the Lipinets-Figueroa card but the two 117-111 (nine rounds to three) scores were insulting to Akhmedov, who fought his heart out in a competitive, entertaining fight. The third judge, Lisa Giampa, had Akhmedov winning 115-113. I scored it 114-114. Puello did a good job of withstanding Akhmedov’s relentless pressure and landing clean, eye-catching counter shots. He’s one to watch. … The Dominican Republic had a huge night on Saturday, with both Garcia and Puello winning world titles. That’s remarkable given the country’s population, only around 11 million. The DR is one of the best boxing countries pound-for-pound… Emanuel Navarrete (36-1, 30 KOs) demonstrated that a fighter can overcome anything with punching power. The 126-pound titleholder looked out of sorts against Eduardo Baez (21-3-2, 7 KOs) after a 10-month layoff and difficulty making weight. The capable Baez outboxed him for five-plus rounds. Then it was over in an instant. Navarrete paralyzed Baez with a left hook to the body and he couldn’t continue. Navarrete had been in talks to face gifted 130-pound champ Shakur Stevenson. The version of Navarrete we saw on Saturday would’ve been embarrassed by Stevenson. He needs to decide whether to stay at 126 or move up to 130, stay active and stay disciplined if he hopes to have ongoing success. Power won’t rescue him in every fight.
