In one of the most shocking boxing upsets of recent memory, Sandor Mart of Spain defeated Mikey Garcia, former four-division champion, in a majority decision in Fresno.
Martin (39)-2, 13KOs) was his first fight outside of the U.S. Garcia had not fought since February 2020, so he was looking to fight him in the future.
Martin, a 10-point underdog, stunned the world in 10 rounds. He won via scores of 95-95, 97-93, and 97-93.
Garcia, ESPN's No. 1 ranked player, said that Garcia was "the one who ran around a lot." 8 welterweight. "I thought that I was winning the fight in an intense matchup.
Punch Stats Garcia Martin Total thrown 60 75 Jabs landed 22 23 Jabs 170 120 Percent 13% 19% 19% Power landed 38 52 Power toss 148 111 Percent 26% 477% -- Courtesy CompuBox
"I believed I had done enough to win the rounds. I was the aggressor, looking to win the fight. There are no excuses. That's how it is.
Martin, 28 years old, boxed off his back foot and was able time Garcia's more aggressive moves with straight lefts throughout the night.
As the rounds continued to pile up, it became apparent that this was not a quick start for the underdog against the rusty fighter but an upset in progress.
Garcia, 40-2, 30KOs) was a forceful fighter who did not show any urgency despite the fact that the fight and his status as an elite fighter were clearly in jeopardy.
Martin was chosen to fight Garcia, who would give Garcia rounds, but not be a threat. He had other ideas for his first fight against top-class competition.
Martin, speaking Spanish with an interpreter, said that Martin is a legend and it was a joy to share the ring. It's my best moment in my entire career. It was something I had always vowed to do and it happened.
"I know who I am; I know what my capabilities are." He is a boxer, but not a natural 147-pounder.
Garcia, a Southern California native, won titles at 126, 130, 135, and 140 pounds. He failed to reach five division champion and was defeated by Errol Spence Jr. during a 2019 welterweight title bout.
Despite the lethargic performance against Spence, Garcia remained at 147 pounds for a tougher-than-expected unanimous-decision victory over Jessie Vargas in February 2020.
Garcia had been in negotiations to fight Prograis at 140lbs this fall. However, streaming service DAZN was unwilling to pay the millions required to complete the fight. Garcia decided to fight Martin to get over the rust.
Garcia was slowing down and looking sluggish due to inactivity and weight gain. Garcia couldn't land his patented combinations and locate Martin with his great jab.
Garcia is known for being one of the most skilled boxers -- he was trained by Robert Garcia, his older brother -- but Garcia's long absence seemed to have disrupted his excellent timing.
Martin also deserves a lot of credit. Garcia was able to box patiently for 10 rounds, behind his southpaw jab. Garcia had to pay him on many occasions when he used scoring combinations.
He was nothing like Anthony Yigit, the fringe candidate who defeated him in 2017.
Martin stated that he was open to Garcia's rematch, but that he would return to 140 pounds in order to fight for a title shot.
Garcia, on his other hand, is at crossroads. He is a big-name fighter who has already accomplished so much. Garcia is 33 years old and still has plenty of time, but 140 lbs (or 135) seems to be a better weight. He needs to win a rematch against Martin to regain his status as a top pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
Garcia stated that if Garcia is asked to rematch the fight, he would prefer 12 rounds because he felt Garcia was coming on strong in the final round.
Jonathan Gonzalez won the WBO's 108-pound title in a split-decision win over Elwin Soto. He was scored 116-112,116-112 and 116-112 for Soto.
Gonzalez, a Puerto Rican southpaw, defeated Soto in 12 rounds. Soto (19-2 and 13 KOs) had defended the title he received from Angel Acosta in 2019 with three victories.
Gonzalez (25-3-1 and 14 KOs) lost a 7th round TKO to Kosei Takaka in 2019. This was his only title fight. Soto was ranked No. At 108 pounds, Soto was ranked No.
