Lara le dio un golpe letal a Danny García en el noveno round.

Erislandy Lara secured a decisive victory over Danny García.Premier Boxing Champions

In a stunning showcase of skill and determination, Cuban boxer Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara successfully defended his WBA Middleweight Championship by delivering a ninth-round technical knockout to former world champion Danny “Swift” García this Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The bout served as the co-main event of the highly anticipated “Canelo Álvarez vs. Edgar Berlanga” card.

A left hook from Lara sent García crashing to the canvas just as the ninth round concluded. Though García managed to rise, the bell rang immediately, prompting him to head to his corner.

However, upon consulting with his father and trainer, García made the decision to withdraw, bringing the contest to an abrupt finish.

Fans had hoped for a more thrilling contest, but the fight unfolded as a one-sided affair, dominated by Lara’s tactical prowess.

The action kicked off with Lara adeptly controlling distance using his right jab, keeping García at bay. The following two rounds were marked by technical exchanges, with Lara effectively waiting for an offensive response from García that never materialized.

Round four saw a slight increase in aggression from García, yet Lara’s strategy remained effective; he chose to play it safe rather than risk an engaging brawl.

As García began to exert more pressure in the fifth, Lara countered with precise “one-twos,” maintaining control.

The sixth round showcased García’s improved right-hand strikes landing on Lara’s face, signaling a slight momentum shift, though the bout remained lackluster.

Lara, meanwhile, navigated the seventh and eighth rounds with ease, despite growing discontent in the crowd, who voiced their frustration with the lack of action.

In the closing moments of the ninth round, as boos echoed throughout the arena, a solid left hand from Lara dropped García to his knees. Though he regained his feet, he proceeded to return to his corner for the final time.

With this victory, Lara enhanced his record to 31 wins, 3 losses, and 3 draws, including 19 knockouts, while García fell to 37 wins, 4 losses, with 21 knockouts. Notably, García had not fought since July 2022 when he garnered a narrow majority decision over José Benavidez Jr.