16 years ago
Toshiaki Nishioka vs Genaro Garcia
Date: 3rd January 2009
Venue: Pacifico, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Title: WBC World Super-bantamweight Title
Promoter: Teiken Promotions & Don King Productions
Referee: Bruce McTavish
Toshiaki Nishioka
(
32
-
4
-
3
)
Weight: 121 1/2 lbs
Genaro Garcia
(
36
-
6
-
0
)
Weight: 122 lbs
On January 3, 2009, at the Pacifico in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Toshiaki Nishioka made the first defence of his WBC World Super-Bantamweight Title against Mexico's Genaro Garcia. Coming into the fight, Nishioka held a record of 32-4-3, while Garcia, a seasoned contender with 36 wins and 6 losses, presented a challenge as a durable and experienced opponent. The bout was part of a double main event promoted by Teiken Promotions and Don King Productions alongside Yusuke Kobori's WBA lightweight title defence.
Nishioka, weighing in at 121½ pounds to Garcia's 122, began the fight asserting his southpaw style, using his sharp jab to control the distance. Garcia struggled to close the gap early, as Nishioka's speed and precision kept him at bay. By the fourth round, Nishioka's accuracy paid dividends, landing a clean left hand that sent Garcia to the canvas. Although Garcia rose to beat the count, the knockdown highlighted Nishioka's dominance and set the tone for the rest of the bout.
Nishioka maintained his composure as the fight progressed, breaking Garcia down methodically. By the ninth round, another well-timed left hand from the champion floored Garcia again. Despite his resilience, Garcia seemed unable to adjust to Nishioka's superior timing and footwork, and the gap in class became increasingly evident.
The final moments of the contest came in the 12th round. At just 57 seconds in, referee Bruce McTavish stepped in to halt the fight as Nishioka unleashed a flurry of punches that left Garcia unable to defend himself effectively. The stoppage secured a TKO victory for Nishioka, marking a strong start to his title reign.
Judges Max DeLuca, Gene Del Bianco, and Thawuth Pluemsamran scored the fight heavily in favour of Nishioka, reflecting his control throughout the contest. At the time of the stoppage, the official cards read 108-99, 110-98, and 109-98, leaving no doubt about the Japanese champion's dominance.
Nishioka's performance against Garcia began an impressive stretch as champion. He would make seven successful defences, defeating notable challengers such as Jhonny Gonzalez, Ivan Hernandez, and Rafael Marquez, before losing the title to Nonito Donaire in October 2012.