by James Slater: Last night, on the under-card of the De La Hoya-Forbes “Homecoming” fight, unbeaten 20 year old welterweight prospect Danny Garcia of Philadelphia improved his pro record to six straight wins, as he won a commanding six round decision over the very game southpaw Julio Gamboa of Nicaragua..
Looking like a future champion, Garcia’s fast hands and good power saw to it that he won virtually every minute of every round. The 36 year old Gambo tried his best, however, and in no way shape or form did he come merely for the pay day. Taking Garcia’s best shots – to both head and body – throughout, southpaw Gamboa showed a ton of heart.
Danny, who had his “Swift” nickname written on his mouth-piece, certainly went looking for the KO right at the first bell. Perhaps guilty of being a little overanxious, the 20 year old was putting everything into his shots. It was apparent already how game his veteran opponent was.
A huge right hand caught Gamboa as he was along the ropes in the 2nd round, and the Nicaraguan did well to keep his feet. Already beginning to swell up facially, Gamboa lost the round clearly once again. Danny was really throwing some good combinations in the 3rd, letting both hands fly with speed and power. Also doing some body work, the 20 year old was sparkling. The only slight concern all night for the prospect was his propensity to drop his hands. Indeed, at times his corner men could be heard bellowing for him to keep his hands up in there. This aside, Garcia was in total command.
Going into the 4th – the longest Danny has gone as a pro – the 20 year old’s body work was getting to Gamboa. Still, the gutsy southpaw was hanging in there and it seemed he was absolutely determined to last the distance. By the 5th, Gamboa was looking a bit of a mess, with blood pouring down his face. Cut over his right eye, the overmatched yet courageous veteran was still attempting to throw his own shots. At times, helped by Garcia’s insistence on taking chances with his poor defence, Gamboa got through with a punch. Indeed, it even seemed as though Gamboa was warming to the task come the last two rounds. Gamboa even shouted his defiance at his opponent right at the end of the 5th.
The final round was lively. With Gamboa still up for it, Garcia knew he’d been made to work quite hard for his win. Never in danger of losing a round, Danny did have to acknowledge the effort his rival had put in. It appeared Garcia’s power was not enough to put Gamboa down. But then, during a good exchange right at the end of the round, a sweet right hand finally sent the 36 year old to the canvas. It was a beautiful shot, and Gamboa did well to get back up as soon as he did. The bell had gone as he did do, though, and the fight was over.
All three judges scored the bout 60-54 for Garcia, and the crowd enjoyed the fight – a good test for the 20 year old, who improved to 6-0(5). Gamboa fell to 28-13-2(17).