Ryan García stayed true to his words as the American pugilist stretched his undefeated record to 21-0, 18 KOs with a 7th round TKO victory over Luke Campbell at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas to win the vacant WBC interim lightweight title.
Ryan García had dropped to the floor after a nasty left hook from Campbell in the second round. However, the 22-year-old turned the situation around and in round 5, went all out against Campbell, dismantling the Briton.
I showed today I am special: Ryan García
The fight lasted two more rounds as a vicious body shot concluded the bout in the 7th round as García walked out as the winner via TKO, becoming the first pugilist to win against Campbell via stoppage.
Contrary to all the pre-fight verbal heat, the fighters embraced each other after the match at Campbell’s corner.
“I think I showed a lot of people who I really am. I showed today I am special,” García spoke to DAZN after the fight, “They wanted to show me as a social media fighter. Anybody who puts you down, remember you’re not who people tell you who you are – you are who you choose to be. I chose to be a champion tonight.”
Compared to the quick knockouts in his three previous bouts which lasted only one or two rounds, the 33-year-old Campbell proved to be one tough contest for the young pugilist, as he was also heard saying “You taught me a lot” to his opponent after the bout.
Campbell, who has been away from a tasting victory since 2019 March after two straight losses, took to Twitter to open up about the matchup, along with a picture with García as well as Canelo Álvarez.
“Well I’m honestly heart broken, I really wanted to bring the win back for you all. I’m sorry for that. I hope you all enjoyed the fight. Have to take my hat off to @KingRyanG, well done and a massive future ahead for him. I wish him all the best” the Olympic gold medallist boxer tweeted.
