By Geno McGahee
Ryan Garcia, 17-0, 14 KO’s, took out the tough and awkward Braulio Rodriguez, 19-4, 17 KO’s, with a fifth round knockout. In the first round, Garcia kept his defense high and was avoiding any incoming from his opponent. During a clinch, Garcia was able to land a right hand and a crushing left hook that put Rodriguez down for a nine count. Rodriguez used bravado and playfulness to survive and to confuse Garcia, but it didn’t work. Garcia kept his game face on and stayed with the plant.
In the third round, after a warning for low blows, the referee took a point away from Rodriguez. In the fifth round, a right hand landed behind the ear of Rodriguez that really stunned him. He went to the ropes and a crushing left hook put him down for the 10 count. He attempted to get up, but there was nothing left. It was a great and controlled performance by Garcia.
