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Gervonta Davis John McDonnell/AP |
Hector Luis Garcia of the Dominican Republic was defeated this past Saturday in Washington by American Gervonta Davis, who successfully defended his WBA lightweight title.
The first five rounds of the fight were well matched, but Davis's use of his night's most effective weapon—powerful left hooks—turned the tide.
The World Boxing Association (WBA) super featherweight champion Garcia, who upped his weight for the fight, demonstrated early on that he had a powerful chin and also managed to counterpunch and give some spice to the fight.
However, it was short-lived. In the eighth round, Davis ramped up the tempo after a brawl broke out in the VIP circle at the foot of the ring for several minutes.
The bout was stopped by the referee after "Tank" landed two powerful blows with his left leg that left Garcia unable to continue fighting even after being spared by the bell.
The 31-year-old Dominican boxer, who is suffering his first defeat after 17 battles (16 victories, 10 of which came before the limit), exclaimed, "I can't see! I can't see!
After recording his 28th triumph in as many fights, Gervonta Davis addressed the crowd, saying, "I knew that I had wounded him a lot" (26 of them before the limit).
Everyone is now anticipating the super fight between Gervonta Davis and Ryan "King" Garcia, the former interim lightweight champion of the WBC who is unbeaten in 23 fights, which may take place in Las Vegas in April.