Danny Garcia closed out his career in style with a vicious knockout win over former sparring partner Danny Gonzalez on Saturday night.
The former two-weight world champion blasted away Gonzalez in the fourth round at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center – the site of some of the 37-year-old’s most famous nights.
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Garcia took out Gonzalez in the fourth roundCredit: Getty
“I’m just so happy,” said Garcia after extending his professional record to 38-4.
“I’ve done a lot in my career, and this is a great way to end it all.”
Garcia rocked Gonzalez mid-way through the opening stanza with a crisp right-hand counter, but was unable to apply the finishing touches.
Over the next three rounds, the hometown fighter eased off the volume and picked his shots behind the jab.
Early in the fourth frame, he found the shot he was looking for in the form of a perfectly timed left hook, which sent his adversary hurtling to the canvas.
Gonzalez bravely attempted to regain his footing, but he rolled his ankle in the process and was left flat on his back as the referee waved off the contest.
“I know that I hurt him in Round 1, but my timing was a little off,” added Garcia.
“So I decided to work behind my jab, and I knew when he stopped his feet, I was gonna catch him.
“I was just taking it round by round. I didn’t underestimate him.
“He was in great shape. My dad told me to just stick to the game plan.”
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Garcia extended his pro record to 38-4Credit: GettyIs Danny Garcia really retired?
Before the fight, Garcia insisted this would be his final bow, although there was less conviction to his words in the immediate aftermath.
“At the end of the day, I’m healthy and I’ve got a beautiful family,” Garcia remarked.
“I don’t know if I’m done yet.”
An hour later, he told assembled media that he was ’85 per cent retired’ and would consider a return if the money was right.
“The price has got to be right like Bob Barker,” he said when asked what would tempt him back in the ring.
“I would say I am 85 per cent retired. The other 15 per cent is because I love boxing, and if it makes sense, but the dollar sign has got to be right.
“The risk isn’t worth the reward anymore if I’m not going to get paid a lot of money.”