Mikey Garcia demonstrated on Saturday why he is one of the best pound-for-pound boxers currently on the circuit.
Robert Easter Jr. held a five-inch height advantage that Garcia rendered irrelevant with relentless pressure coupled with accurate and jarring punches. It led to a third-round knockdown from which Easter recovered physically but not in the sense of the fight.
Garcia was the predator, stalking his prey across the ring, cutting the size of the square with sharp movements. Although Easter was 20 and 0 before the fight, the disparity between the two was obvious as the fight wore on.
Garcia won every round subsequent to the eight-count and scored a unanimous points victory, unifying the WBC and IBF lightweight titles. The margin of victory was decisive: 118 – 109, 117 – 110, and 116 – 111.
Speaking afterward, Garcia spoke of his pride at winning titles in his fourth division. “It’s a great accomplishment,” – said the Californian who was previously a champion at featherweight, super featherweight, and light welterweight.
“Now we’re back,” – he continued. “I told you guys I was coming for bigger things and now we’re one step closer to achieving that.
“I’m here for the biggest challenges. I don’t know if there is anyone that is a bigger challenge than Errol Spence. I know he’s up to fight everyone, so let’s make it happen.”
Garcia cannot be dismissed lightly, but Spence will be favorite in the event the match is made. With 39 wins, 30 by KO, he is eager to take on a fighter who is one of his few peers in the ring.
