Danny Garcia has retained his WBA Super and WBC light welterweight titles with a unanimous decision victory over Lucas Matthysse at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas.
The 25-year-old from Philadelphia started sluggishly in his fifth straight title fight, but grew in stature as the fight wore on.
Heavy damage to the right eye of the Argentine caused it to swell to immense proportions, allowing Garcia to fully take control of the contest.
It was Matthysse who got through with the bigger shots in the first couple of rounds, and it took a slap in the face from father and trainer Angel Garcia for the champion to finally wake up.
After closing the eye of the 30-year-old, Garcia went on to dominate the middle rounds with series powerful shots to the head and body.
Matthysse was left in no doubt that he needed a knockout as the seconds ticked down, which brought about a furious end to what had been a longer bout than many had anticipated.
Garcia sent his man down in the 11th round, although he also had a point deducted for a low blow.
It was ultimately of little consequence, as he went on to claim a deserved win with scores of 115-111, 114-112, 114-112.
Michael Penkman
