Ryan Garcia says he aiming for the WBA light-welterweight title after knocking out Oscar Duarte in the eighth round of their bout in Texas on Saturday.
American Garcia, 25, was back in the ring following his only career defeat, by compatriot Gervonta Davis in April.
He landed a left hook to Duarte’s temple which unsteadied the 27-year-old before further blows dropped him to his knees.
“I’m committing to becoming a world champion,” Garcia told DAZN.
Fellow American Duarte lifted himself off the canvas after the count of nine but the referee stopped the fight to hand Garcia his 20th professional knockout.
Rolando Romero has held the light-welterweight belt since May and Garcia thinks he would be up to the challenge of facing the 28-year-old.
“That felt like a fight to me, like I’m figuring myself out as a fighter and I’m excited to keep improving with [new trainer] Derrick [James].
“I want to become a champion, that’s my goal. I want Rolly to be honest.”
