At just 21 years of age, Lightweight prospect Ryan Garcia (19-0, 16 KOs) has gained the sort of popularity that most can only dream of.
His skills have unfortunately been overlooked often times by his lavish lifestyle.
To the credit of Garcia, all he has done is get better and better in his career. Although he is still in the early stages, many wanted to see him in the ring with someone that could truly test him.
His critics got their wish as he was matched up with the rough and rugged Romero Duno (21-2, 16 KOs) on the Canelo Alvarez vs. Sergey Kovalev undercard.
It was supposed to be the toughest test in the career of Garcia, but it turned out to be anything but that.
Garcia quickly knocked out Duno in the first round in front of a jam packed crowd at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
A right hand by Garcia was the reasoning behind Duno’s failed attempt to defeat the undefeated Garcia. He attempted to make it to his feet after being floored, but referee Tony Weeks called a halt to the contest.
It was an impressive and explosive display by Garcia.
“I feel good,” said Garcia after his knockout win. “It’s kind of what I expected, like I said. But all respect to Duno. He came to fight. He came in shape. He caught me with that overhand right. You seen right on the chin, and I took it. And then, from there, I knew I could just keep taking ‘em and keep coming at him. So, when I took his best shot, I felt good. I was like, ‘All right, I got him.”
This is the sort of performance that will undoubtedly make Garcia an even bigger star than he already is.
Ryan Garcia Final Grade: A+
What else can you give someone who made it look incredibly easy against his toughest opponent to date?
Giving Ryan Garcia an A+ is the right call here.
