The 29 year-old, fighting for only the second time in three years due to a contract dispute with his previous employers, was in sparkling form against undefeated Dejan Zlaticanin.
Two rounds using his far superior jab were followed up by a devastating third session. Garcia scored with a crushing uppercut, and whilst Zlaticanin was attempting to regain his senses, connected with a vicious right hook and the Montenegrin was laid out cold for some time.
It took doctors a couple of minutes to revive Zlaticanin, who luckily was okay and can fight another day.
After the fight, Garcia told Showtime’s Jim Gray in the ring: “I’m glad my opponent in okay. We never wish anything bad to happen in the sport. I’m glad he’s able to recover and get up. I told him he’s still a champion.
“I think it was a great performance. I fought smart and kept the distance to control the range. We had a great gameplan to stick to my jab and follow through with my right hand. We were able to connect, hurt him and put and end to the night.”
Garcia could now move on to face the winner of the rematch between Jorge Linares and Anthony Crolla scheduled for March 25 as the WBC have made it clear they would like the champion and ‘Diamond’ title holder to meet at the earliest opportunity.
Other results:
8 – Super Lightweight
Josh Taylor 8-0 UD
Alfonso Olvera 8-3-1
8 – Lightweight
Ivan Redkach 20-2-1 TKO8
Demond Brock 13-4-1
8 – Super Middleweight
David Benavidez 17-0 TKO2
Sherali Mamajonov 14-2
6 – Featherweight
Leduan Barthelemy 12-0 UD
Jesus Aguinaga 5-5-1
6 – Welterweight
Herbert Acevedo 13-2 UD
Chris Singleton 17-4-2
4 – Bantamweight
Antonio Santa Cruz 5-2 UD
Victor Torres 2-5-1
4 – Featherweight
Jerry Perez 1-0 TKO1
Javier Cepeda 0-5
