WASHINGTON (AFP) – Errol Spence overpowered challenger Danny Garcia in his first fight since surviving a near-fatal rollover car accident to retain his World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation welterweight titles Saturday.
The 30-year-old Spence put on a virtuoso performance winning almost every round in a 147-pound homecoming fight at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas.
The undefeated Spence, who suffered serious injuries after being thrown from his car in the drunk-driving smash, won by a unanimous decision proving he is still the same boxer as before the accident in October 2019.
”The moment is surreal especially coming back from my accident year ago,” Spence said. ”Be patient with me. This was a comeback fight for me and I had to shake off some cobwebs.”
After the fighters felt each other out during the first few rounds, Spence seized control in the middle rounds to win on all three scorecards by scores of 116-112, 116-112, and 117-111.
Spence improved to 27-0 with 21 knockouts while Garcia fell to 36-3, with 21 KOs.
Spence, a southpaw, monopolized Garcia with his jab and relentless pressure, not allowing the challenger to make use of his pre-fight game plan.
”He was breaking him down and taking the fight out of him. His jab is the key to everything,” said Spence’s trainer Derrick James.
