Former champion Danny Garcia earned his 21st career knockout and 35th win with a seventh round TKO finish over Adrian Granados this past weekend. The bout served as the main event on FOX from the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
The card also featured Andy Ruiz, Jr. earning a TKO over Alexander Dimitrenko and Brandon Figueroa remaining unbeaten with a stoppage of Yonfrez Parejo to claim the interim 122-pound crown.
Garcia got his offense started early, deflecting a right hand from Granados in round two and throwing a perfect left hook counter that dropped Granados for the first time in the fight. Granados continued to push and tried to change the tide, but an overhand right at the end of an exchange by Garcia sent Granados down for the second time in round two.
“I’ve said it before, when Danny Garcia is at his best, nobody can beat him,” said Garcia. “I had gotten a little comfortable in the past, but I put my 110 percent into this fight and when I do, I beat everyone.”
Granados tried to find ways to slow Garcia’s momentum, but while trying to crowd Garcia he was too often caught with power punches on the inside. Round four saw Granados begin to bleed heavily from the nose and in round five Granados was dropped for the third time, this time from a combination Garcia delivered while he had Granados on the ropes.
“He was very sharp in the exchanges,” said Granados. “That’s where he was catching me. I knew that’s what I had to avoid. But the toughness in me is always ready to go. I was willing to engage.”
Ruiz flashed the exceptional hand speed that has defined his career, landing hard combinations to the head and body of the taller Dimitrenko. Ruiz stalked Dimitrenko, controlling the center of the ring and picking his spots to unload.
“He started slowing down and I could see the face he made when I hit him with body shots,” said Ruiz. “I just stayed disciplined and focused. I couldn’t get too anxious. I just wanted to break him down until the tree fell down.”
The 22-year-old Figueroa used his signature pressure early and often, walking through effective shots Parejo landed in the early rounds to establish his position in the fight. Parejo had success landing hooks while Figueroa was exposed on the inside, but was unable to avoid the return fire, especially the body shots that eventually led to the end of the fight.
“This is an amazing feeling and a dream come true,” said Figueroa. “I can’t wait for what’s coming next.I thought I was going to finish him the next round. He had lasted pretty well but once I put the pressure up to another level, I knew he wouldn’t be able to continue.”
After the card on FOX, PBC Fight Night Extra on FS1 and FOX Deportes was headlined by Jeison Rosario winning a split-decision over Jorge Cota by scores of 97-93 for Cota and 96-94 and 97-93 for Rosario in a 10-round super welterweight bout
The FS1 portion kicked off with highly-touted prospect Rolando “Rollie” Romero knocking out Andres Figueroa 1:27 into round four of their lightweight fight. Rising unbeaten and 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas remained perfect by stopping Luis May at 1:07 of round four in their lightweight battle and super lightweight prospect Omar Juarez earned a unanimous decision by scores of 40-36 twice and 39-37 after four rounds against Dwayne Bonds.