The return of Ryan Garcia does not disappoint the expectations that many people place on his shoulders.
‘KingRy’ has been sidelined for 15 months due to mental health issues and injuries following his climactic career game against Luke Campbell last year. In San Antonio last night, the Californian is said to have lit the Alamodome during a game against Emmanuel Tagoe. What unfolded was a disappointing 12-point win for the lightweight contender (22-0, 18 KOs).
In the 2nd half, Garcia and new coach Joe Goossen will be happy to see Tagoe (32-2, 15 KOs) go down. Here is the scenario for the return. A cross on the right ripped the Ghanaian who was trying to keep up. Garcia landed one of them at the temple before the other right hand dropped Tagoe. The 33-year-old as he did in 99% of the fight survived and stood up in his chair to look ahead to round 3.
Having kept his chin too high for the first six minutes, Garcia decided to retain a tall guard in the third round despite releasing Tagoe. The bodily attacks begin to test Tagoe’s resolve but like much of the 36 minutes, we are handled to highlight moments of spin from Garcia. That feeling is never enough and as the fight goes on you feel Tagoe become more comfortable with the power and content to take down one of the boxing superstars the entire distance.
Trying to pick out moments of success for Tagoe was a near pointless exercise. One two on forefoot out of 5orderleft hand from his boot for 7order and some ambition was finally as good as it was achieved.
Garcia, as he has done in the past, neglects his strength and relies on authority. His screaming fans who have been raped because bumping, banging, hitting walls isn’t sweet science. In 10order stop look on the card. Garcia sparks back. One of Tagoe’s swinging right hands was loose and his legs relied on instinct. Tagoe once again carried on despite being crucified with some chopping punches as Garcia attempted to end the show.
Rounds 11 and 12 were more of an attack against the defence, with Tagoe presenting himself as more of a gym exercise than an opponent looking to upset.
The assertions can be changed if you want. He looks very good from afar. Garcia had 12 rounds under the belt for the first time. It was his debut with new coach Joe Goossen. And he is back after a long time away. However, the latter may be due to too many fighters in the current climate. The reality is that Garcia and Goossen wouldn’t expect Tagoe to last 4 rounds let alone 12.
This is supposed to be the return of a king but with this performance he is far from being crowned at lightweight.
