Hector Garcia didn’t come out for the ninth round against Gervonta Davis.
Hector Garcia was more competitive in the ring than many people gave him credit for, but in the end, it was the hard hitting Gervonta Davis that still prevailed.
Ahead on the scorecards, “Tank” landed big shots at the eight round, where he badly hurt Garcia. The Dominican boxer showed a great chin and didn’t go down, but apparently the damage was already done.
In his corner, Garcia told his coaches that he couldn’t see. This prompted his team to throw in the towel and end the fight before the ninth round.
It was officially ruled a TKO via retirement, with the judges also had him ahead on points before the stoppage, with scores of 78-74, 79-73, 79-73.
Garcia noted in his post-fight interview that he was in no condition to continue fighting in the ninth round, but the vision on his right eye eventually returned soon after.
Tank improved his unbeaten record to 28-0, with 26 knockouts. After the fight, Davis confirmed plans to face the popular and undefeated Ryan Garcia next in April.
Official result: Gervonta Davis def. Hector Luis Garcia by TKO (Retirement), R9
Watch highlights from the WBA lightweight title clash between Davis and Garcia below.
The challenger is ready
Order #DavisGarcia: https://t.co/d96HK2LrHD pic.twitter.com/XOfygZ38v3
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) January 8, 2023
.@Gervontaa makes his way to the ring with @ShyGlizzy for tonight’s main event
Order #DavisGarcia: https://t.co/d96HK2LrHD pic.twitter.com/N4tQJs8mlh
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) January 8, 2023
.@Gervontaa with the strong right hook #DavisGarcia pic.twitter.com/bwmCEhB1Sn
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) January 8, 2023
IT’S OVER @Gervontaa scores the TKO win over Garcia to remain unbeaten.#DavisGarcia pic.twitter.com/n9b4Cbr9Le
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) January 8, 2023
.@Gervontaa is ready for @RyanGarcia #DavisGarcia pic.twitter.com/lkjjGoMI3v
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) January 8, 2023
Hector Garcia is a warrior #DavisGarcia pic.twitter.com/0Rdg0Eh1UW
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) January 8, 2023