Fortuna (37-4-1, 26 KO) was never able to get anything going offensively in the fight, struggling to deal with Garcia’s length as the 23-year-old worked behind a hard jab and long straight right hands. Garcia’s (23-0, 19 KO) patient long offense paid off handsomely as Fortuna’s guard rose steadily, exposing his flanks. Garcia took advantage of this in the fourth round, landing a crushing left hook to the body that sent Fortuna reeling before going to his knees for the first knockdown of the fight. Things didn’t get any better for Fortuna in the fifth round as Garcia’s left hand moved from the body back to the head. One of those left hooks caught Fortuna off balance, sending Fortuna to the canvas for the second time in the fight, with the Dominican veteran reeling badly as he hit the deck. The third and final knockdown of the fight came just minutes into the sixth round as Garcia unloaded a three-punch combination that ended with another left hook and sent Fortuna to the canvas once more. This time, Fortuna didn’t step up and Garcia got the knockout at 0:27 of the round. Despite both fighters normally campaigning at lightweight, the fight was contested at super lightweight at the request of Fortuna’s camp. After the fight, Garcia made it clear that he was so comfortable at the weight that he would not be returning to the lightweight division. Even with what he claims is a permanent weight gain, Garcia remains focused on a huge fight with one of the other young lightweight stars in Gervonta “Tank” Davis for his next outing. “100 percent, I felt a lot better,” Garcia said. “I’m not going back to 135 for anything, but I’m going to fight ‘Tank’ next. saying I’m ducking. If he wants it, let him have it… That’s going to give me the respect I deserve. I’m never afraid. I’ve said that I have a competitive spirit in me. You’re gonna see it come out when I fight the tank and his ass.” Garcia and Davis have long discussed a possible fight while sharing the lightweight division along with other young stars like Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez, another fighter who recently moved up to the 140-pound division. While Davies has ventured up to the super lightweight division to win the WBA junior title with a dramatic win over Mario Barrios, it is unknown if he would be willing to move back down to weight given that he is only five-foot-five. The race also depends on the various promoters and networks being able to work out a deal that is suitable for all involved. Can’t get enough boxing and MMA? Get the latest in the world of combat sports from two of the best in the business. Join Morning Kombat with Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell for the best analysis and in-depth news. CBS Sports will be with you all the way on Saturday, so be sure to follow live scores and highlights below.
Match card, results
Ryan Garcia def. Javier Fortuna by knockout in the sixth round Alexis Rocha def. Luis Alberto Veron by unanimous decision (100-90, 100-90, 99-91) Lamont Roach def. Angel Rodriguez by unanimous decision (116-112, 116-112, 117-111) Def. David Jimenez. Ricardo Sandoval by majority decision (114-112, 112-114, 113-113)
Garcia vs. Fortuna scorecard, live coverage
Garcia 10 10 10 10 10 KO 50 Fortuna 9 9 9 8 8 43
