Mikey Garcia delivered an early contender for knockout of the year in his WBC lightweight world title fight.
The undefeated pugilist entered his bout against Dejan Zlaticanin in Saturday’s Showtime Boxing’s co-main event with a 35-0 record, 29 professional knockouts on his record and world featherweight and super-featherweight titles on his resume.
When he left the ring, his pristine professional record was still intact, he had devastating knockout for the highlight reel and a third belt to his name.
Zlaticanin was also unbeaten as a professional coming into the bout, but things started to look grim for the Monetenegran early as Garcia almost immediately began controlling the fight.
Garcia got the finish in the third round, handing his opponent his first ever knockout loss in terrifying fashion. He drew in his opponent who overextended with a left straight and punished him with a swift three-punch combination that had hims stumbling around the ring off-balance like a new-born lamb.
Facing the ropes, Zlaticanin spun around to stand back toward the action, but turned straight into a vicious right haymaker from the depths of hell that sent him crashing down to the canvas in a heap. He was out like a light before he hit the ground.
He required several minutes of medical attention after being knocked out cold and needed oxygen to regain consciousness and sit up and make it to his stool. Garcia refused to celebrate until he knew his opponent was okay.
Devastating KO last night by undefeated Mikey Garcia to become a 3 division world champ! He's a beast!@mikeygarcia https://t.co/S8gKPalSym
— Strictly Boxing Fans (@BoxingBritain1) January 29, 2017
29-year-old Garcia previously held the featherweight and super-featherweight belts before having a two-and-ahalf year lay-off from the sport after a contract dispute and ensuing legal battle with Top Rank Promotions, which has since been settled.
