There is a new champion within the super featherweight division. Washington, D.C. native Lamont Roach Jr. scored a controversial knockdown of Hector Luis Garcia in the twelfth round that proved to be the difference in his second world title shot. One judge scored the bout 114-113 in Garcia’s favor while the other two judges delivered the following scores in Roach Jr.’s favor: 116-111 and 114-113.
At the conclusion of the fight, the Washington, D.C. native voiced his desire to fight other champions in the division, including O’Shaquie Foster, Emmanuel Navarrete and Joe Cordina. Foster recently inked a deal with Bob Arum’s Top Rank, which is also Navarrete’s promoter. Meanwhile, Cordina resides at Matchroom Boxing where he just wrapped up a majority decision victory against Edward Vasquez in early November.
The finish of Garcia-Roach Jr. opens the door for the next fight on Showtime’s final pay-per-view card. Shohjahon Ergashev is set to challenge Subriel Matias for his IBF super lightweight title. With both fighters combining for 39 knockouts in 43 fights, the 12-round showdown is sure to produce fireworks.
