Garcia knocks out Campbell in 7th round to win WBC interim lightweight belt
Ryan Garcia scored a seventh-round knockout victory over Luke Campbell to claim the vacant WBC interim lightweight title at the American Airlines Center in Dallas on Saturday.
Strwp a rocket 🚀 to the Garcia kid.... #GarciaCampbell pic.twitter.com/jVDVgGtNCy
— Jim Edwards (@MMA_Jim) January 3, 2021
It's Garcia's 21st career victory, and fifth straight via knockout.
Garcia was a little shaky to start. In the second round, Campbell unleashed a vicious left hook that sent the 22-year-old to the canvas for the first time in his career.
Once Garcia defeated Campbell, he was able to take the moment in stride.
"Yoooo I got dropped! This is crazy!" 😂 pic.twitter.com/XgHAnSfgYK
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) January 3, 2021
After his win, Garcia said he wants to face WBA regular lightweight champion Gervonta Davis next. He even got the crowd, which was largely in his corner all night, to chant "We want Tank!" If not Davis, Garcia said he'd consider Devin Haney for his next bout, according to DAZN Boxing.
Garcia's manager Oscar De La Hoya said on Twitter that a decision for his next opponent is not imminent.
@KingRyanG has the world in front of him. I’ll sit down with him and we will decide what the next move is.
— Oscar De La Hoya (@OscarDeLaHoya) January 3, 2021
Campbell, who was fighting for the first time since August 2019, saw his career record fall to 20-4. It's his first-ever defeat via knockout, and second consecutive loss.
The 33-year-old Brit was gracious in defeat, offering his congratulations to Garcia on social media.
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. pic.twitter.com/hCVvillSm2
— Luke Campbell MBE (@luke11campbell) January 3, 2021