The typical Ryan Garcia early-knockout fight the crowd was expecting didn’t come to fruition as Jayson Velez came forward and gave Garcia a real test.
Garcia (15-0, 13 KOs) has never gone the distance in a fight but won a 10-round unanimous decision over a rugged Velez (26-5-1, 18 KOs) in the main event at the StubHub Center on Friday night.
All three judges scored the bout 99-91 in favor of the Victorville product. The win earned Garcia the vacant NABO and NABF super featherweight titles in front of 6,625 fight fans.
Garcia said he needs to learn how to roughhouse in a fight like that but it taught him a lot.
“ I’m only 19 years old, so it was a good experience,” said Garcia. “It taught me a lot. Velez was a durable guy, but I landed a lot of crazy shots as well. I thank Jayson Velez, and I will learn from this experience.”
Golden Boy Promotions’ young prospect grinded out a tough win against a seasoned fighter. Velez stalked and battled on the inside but Garcia’s power from the outside was the difference.
In Round 3, Garcia landed 12 power shots while Velez wasn’t throwing enough. Through the first four rounds, Velez only threw 41 punches per round.
Garcia staggered Velez in the fifth round but he couldn’t the knockout he predicted.
Velez said Garcia needs a little more experience, but he’s going to be big. He’s a great opponent and we put on a great show, Velez added.
“I didn’t think he [Garcia] would last with me, but I was proven wrong,” said Velez. “He moves well and was able to keep up with me. I’m proud of what we did here.”
Golden Boy matchmaker Robert Ortiz said he saw some things that Garcia needs to work.
Photos by Tom Hogan
“This is the first time he’s really been hit,” said Ortiz. “There’s no rush. I don’t want him to fight for a world title if he’s not ready.”
Garcia, who doesn’t lack confidence, thinks he’s on the right path to the big stage.
“I still feel I’m on the fast track to a world-title fight,” said Garcia. “I beat a guy who fought for a world title.”
