WBA Super Featherweight champion Gervonta Davis (21-0, 20, KOs) blasted Hugo Ruiz in the first round to retain his title in the main event Saturday at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
Davis hit Ruiz with a right hook which forced him to take a knee in his corner. Referee Jack Reiss stopped the bout after Ruiz didn’t reply to his question if he can continue.
“Tonight I just wanted to put on a great performance,” said Davis. “When I touched the jab, I saw his arm was in front of his face so if I threw a hook or uppercut, it was right in line.”
The southpaw from Baltimore was supposed to fight Abner Mares but he suffered an eye injury during sparring last week. Ruiz, from Sinaloa, Mexico stepped in on 10-day notice. This was the first fight for Davis in 10 months but plans on staying busy this year.
“I have four fights lined up this year,” said Davis in the post-fight interview. “I’m a fighter and I have the best team so they will decide who I fight next.”
Ruiz said Davis is a strong puncher and he looked like he put on a lot of weight between the weigh-in and tonight.
“I felt every punch.” said Ruiz. “He definitely broke my nose.”
