Bally’s Atlantic City Casino & Resort - Two undefeated and heavy-handed heavyweights put it all on the line, but it was Moses “Thunderhands” Johnson (9-0-1, 7 KOs) who prevailed over Mexico’s Elvis Garcia (12-1, 9 KOs) in an all-action, entertaining affair that was up for grabs until the final bell. Johnson won via majority decision with scores of 76-76 and 77-75 twice.
This was a pivotal bout in both fighters’ careers and an opportunity to take a major step forward in the heavyweight division. From the opening bell, the contest was fought at a blistering pace in the center of the ring. Both fighters had their moments, showing will, skill and strong chins.
“It was all heart,” said the 30-year-old Johnson, from Huntington, N.Y. “We still got a lot of work to do. I have to keep working on my range and my distance and my boxing. We’re going to get there. We’ll be back in the gym on Monday.
“I can’t lie, I thought a couple of rounds were close, but I knew I had the gas in me and I knew I had more heart than he did. He’s tough. I feel like it was close, but I definitely took it to him.”
Garcia out-landed Johnson in total punches (209-191), but Johnson impressed the judges with his body work as 82 of his 191 landed punches were body shots. Garcia landed an average of 26 of 67 punches per round and landed 46 percent of his power shots while Johnson landed 24 of 72 punches per round and 39 percent of his power shots.
“I’m really upset with the scoring,” said Garcia. “I thought I did a lot more. The only thing he was doing was sitting on top of me and putting his weight on me and trying to keep me from moving. I hurt him a lot more. I saw his eyes roll a few times and he was stumbling around. I’d love to fight him again and I’ll be back.”
ADD COMMENT VIEW COMMENTS (3)