By Geno McGahee
It was the fight that Ryan Garcia, 21-0, 18 KO’s, needed. He faced off against the battle-tested Luke Campbell, 20-4, 16 KO’s, a fighter that could punch and had great grit and ambition. In the first round, Garcia pounced and tried to get Campbell out of there but Campbell used his skill to avoid the incoming.
In round two, an overhand left hand put Garcia down and down hard. To his credit, he got up and continued to fight and began hunting Campbell again, discovering the left hook over the right jab. In round five, a left hook over the right jab would hurt Campbell badly but the bell would save him.
In round seven, a vicious left hook to the body put Campbell down and he did not get up. Garcia survived his first war and did so calmly and systematically. It was a great win and statement for the rising star.
