NewsBite

Updated

World stunned as boxing star ‘paralyses’ fighter with ‘ghost punch’

One of the biggest fights boxing has seen in recent years has ended in extraordinary fashion with a fighter floored by a “ghost punch”.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 22: Ryan Garcia in the black trunks exchanges punches with Gervonta Davis in the green and purple trunks in the first round during their catchweight bout at T-Mobile Arena on April 22, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 22: Ryan Garcia in the black trunks exchanges punches with Gervonta Davis in the green and purple trunks in the first round during their catchweight bout at T-Mobile Arena on April 22, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Gervonta “Tank” Davis has knocked out Ryan Garcia with a “ghost punch”.

The boxing world has ben left stunned by Davis’ left arm body punch from hell that left Garcia taking a knee.

Fight commentators missed the moment Davis’ liver shot landed clean, showing how much power Davis has in his fists.

The Las Vegas crowd of 21,000 spectators, which included Mark Wahlberg, Floyd Mayweather and Mike Tyson, erupted as the referee called a stop to the contest.

Watch Boxing Live & On-Demand on Kayo. Selected international fights, classic bouts and more. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

The seventh round stoppage was exactly what Davis said was going to happen in the days leading up to the fight.

The broadcasters on the HBO telecast described the punch as a “ghost punch” because it went overlooked and said the punch left Garcia “paralysed”.

The body shot from hell. Photo: Main Event.
The body shot from hell. Photo: Main Event.
Ryan Garcia did not get back to his feet. Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images.
Ryan Garcia did not get back to his feet. Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images.

Commentator Abner Mares said: “What a body shot.

“I didn’t even see it. It was so quick. It was a late reaction. He (Garcia) took a knee and he was paralysed.”

Garcia retreated several steps after the punch and then eventually fell down.

Garcia said after the fight he took a knee and believed he was going to be able to get back to his feet to continue the contest.

However, he said he was not able to continue because he was not able to breathe.

Ryan Garcia in the black trunks exchanges punches with Gervonta Davis in the green. Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images.
Ryan Garcia in the black trunks exchanges punches with Gervonta Davis in the green. Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images.

“He just caught me with a good shot. I don’t want to make any excuses in here,” Garcia said.

“I’m not going to say nothing, but I couldn’t breathe.”

The undefeated lightweight champions stepped into the ring for one of the biggest fight boxing purists have seen in recent years — even with the bout taking place at a catch-weight.

Gervonta Davis is the undisputed king. Photo Al Bello/Getty Images/AFP.
Gervonta Davis is the undisputed king. Photo Al Bello/Getty Images/AFP.

After a slow start, the roof was blown off the T-Mobile arena when Davis landed his left upper cut from out of nowhere in Round 2, knocking Garcia down.

Davis continued to land the better shots in the following rounds, despite Garcia being the more active fighter.

Garcia then had his best round of the fight as he got several right hand punches through Davis’ guard in the sixth round.

However, Davis ended it all less than two minutes into the seventh round.

Davis has held multiple world championship titles in three weight classes — including the WBA lightweight title since 2019.

He remains undefeated more than nine years into his professional boxing career with 28 wins and zero losses.

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/sport/boxing/world-stunned-as-boxing-star-paralyses-fighter-with-ghost-punch/news-story/cc20f5b40d486ff2c49303a295c144ba