The end result wasn’t totally surprising but the manner it was executed definitely was.

Billing 🇵🇭Romero Duno as the biggest test for popular Lightweight prospect 🇺🇸Ryan Garcia in his career so far was accurate, but not many really believed there was a chance of an upset on our hands. This fight was more about seeing Garcia in tough for the first time and how he would adjust to adversity in the ring.

There wouldn’t be much in the way of adversity.

What we saw from the start was the gameplan trainer Eddy Reynoso has been instilling in Garcia (19-0-0, 16KO). Using his length to keep Duno (21-2-0, 16KO) at a comfortable distance and his hand speed and crisp combinations to stop him in his tracks when trying to close in, Garcia had his way before getting rid of the heavy handed Filipino in the first round with a right hook to the head that was followed up with a glancing left hook temple shot. It was clear to the referee just by seeing Duno discombobulated after he hit the deck, that his night was over and he waved the bout off.

With his new deal with Golden Boy, this is the statement win both Garcia and his team have been looking for. The 21 year old continues to ascend, and is hoping to do so while gaining the respect of hardcore boxing fans that have been irritated with his marketing as a hearthrob. Working with the Reynoso’s is a good way to do that, and it’s clear they are quickly making headway with his skillset. He is now perfect in his three fights under Eddy Reynoso, all coming by way of knockout.