Ryan Garcia’s much-anticipated comeback fight on Saturday night in Houston did not go according to plan. As he entered the ring, he was met with a chorus of boos from the crowd. The first half of the fight saw Garcia seemingly evading his opponent, Oscar Duarte, while landing occasional shots. It appeared as though Garcia’s strategy might secure him a victory through evasion alone.
However, everything changed in the eighth round of their scheduled 12-round junior welterweight battle. With a swift and powerful left hook to Duarte’s head, Garcia turned the boos into cheers. Duarte was visibly wobbled but bravely tried to remain on his feet. Garcia, seizing the opportunity, unleashed a series of combinations that sent the tenacious Mexican fighter crashing to the canvas. The referee began the count.
A Controversial Finish
There was some contention surrounding Duarte’s attempt to rise before the referee reached the count of ten. Yet, it is difficult to fault the referee for making what seemed to be the right call. Throughout the match, Duarte consistently failed to lead with his jab, allowing Garcia to dominate the exchanges. It was clear that Garcia had a better grasp of defensive tactics, often turning his back to protect himself.
Duarte’s strategy, when he managed to land punches, was to target Garcia’s midsection. This may have prompted Garcia to adopt a more defensive approach in the latter half of the fight. While this strategy drew boos from the crowd, it was evident that Garcia’s tactical decision-making was effective.
After his victory, Garcia took the opportunity to express gratitude to God and encourage others to turn to Jesus. Surprisingly, he did not use the post-fight interview to speak negatively about Oscar De La Hoya and Bernard Hopkins, with whom he has had public disputes. Instead, Garcia focused on his future plans, expressing a desire to face Rolly Romero and other prominent fighters in his weight class.
Garcia’s return to the ring had been met with skepticism following his defeat by Gervonta Davis in April. Many questioned how he would perform after such a setback. While his performance in Houston may not have been extraordinary, it was undeniably effective.
Ryan Garcia’s fight against Oscar Duarte was a rollercoaster of emotions. The initial boos from the crowd transformed into resounding cheers as he secured a knockout victory. Despite criticism from some fans for his defensive strategy, Garcia’s ability to adapt and emerge triumphant is a testament to his skills as a boxer. As he looks to the future, it will be intriguing to see how Garcia navigates the challenges and opportunities that await him in the ring.
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