Errol Spence Jr. put on an absolute clinic to defend his IBF welterweight title belt vs. Mikey Garcia on Saturday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Garcia can claim a moral victory as the smaller fighter went the distance with Spence, but it was clear from Round 1 that Garcia was in over his head.
Spence-Garcia round-by-round analysis Round 1 Both fighters were cautious and the opening round was one for them to feel each other out. Spence was popping a jab and landed a nice shot to the body, but not much happened.
Spence?s round, 10-9.
Round 2 A similar round to the first. Garcia managed to land a hook early in the round and then a short right in Spence?s corner. Spence had a combination in which he led with the left, followed with a right and came back with a left. Both are trying to set traps.
Spence?s round, 10-9. Total, 20-18 Spence.
Round 3 Spence is beginning to find a home for his straight left hand, as he lands it several times. Garcia appears to be trying to set Spence up for a lead left hook. Spence landed a nice combination near the bell that won him the round.
Spence?s round, 10-9. Total, 30-27 Spence.
Round 4 Spence begins to open up. He?s firing his jab a lot and landing it more regularly. He lands several strong left hands, one of which snapped back Garcia?s head. Spence?s confidence seems on the rise. Garcia didn?t do much save for a good right near the end of the round.
Spence?s round, 10-9. Total, 40-36 Spence.
Round 5 Spence now firing that left hand often, and it?s connecting. Garcia?s face is starting to puff up and you can see welts developing. He?s not been able to get a consistent offense rolling. Spence seems like he?s beginning to roll.
Spence?s round, 10-9. Total, 50-45 Spence.
Round 6 Spence now in total command. He?s firing a hard jab regularly and following with his straight left. It?s connecting regularly, and Spence is outlanding Garcia better than 3-to-1.
Spence?s round 10-9. Total, 60-54 Spence.
Round 7 Spence kind of cruised in that round, as he may have taken a breather, but he still did more there. His jab keeps Mikey away and he lands that left often enough. Blowout at this point.
Spence?s round 10-9. Total, 70-63 Spence.
Round 8 Spence is in a rhythm, boxing superbly. He?s using all of his advantages: Speed, quickness, reach and power. Garcia can?t get off and his face is reddened and he looks to be weakening.
Spence?s round, 10-9. Total, 80-72 Spence.
Round 9 Spence now seems to be stepping it up and looking for the finish. It?s the same thing, a 1-2, but he?s firing harder and hurting Garcia. Punches are more than 4-1 in favor of Spence. This could be stopped by the corner soon.
Spence?s round 10-9. Total, 90-81 Spence.
Round 10 Spence is just blowing Garcia out of the water. He?s going to the body with the jab, coming up to the head and doing everything he wants. He?s connecting on an incredible 55 percent of his power shots. He?s putting on a clinic.
Spence?s round 10-9. Total, 100-90 Spence.
Round 11 Spence opened by jabbing to the body, but he just pummeled Garcia throughout. Garcia never landed anything of consequence and ate a lot of unnecessary hard shots.
Spence?s round 10-9. Total, 110-99 Spence.
Round 12 Spence just did more of the same and closed the show in style. Garcia couldn?t offer much back and Spence repeated what he?s done all night. Great performance by Spence.
Spence?s round 10-9. Total, 120-108 Spence.
