Eridson Garcia demands world title shot after capturing WBO NABO super-featherweight belt

Eridson Garcia seeks title shot after capturing WBO NABO title

Manager and BiYu Promotions CEO Bobby Harrison says Garcia has been ‘punished’ and the lack of acknowledgement is a ‘gross oversight’

Eridson Garcia is demanding a world title shot after claiming the WBO NABO super-featherweight title in devastating fashion against Cristian Perez Hernandez.

The 31-year-old Dominican Republic southpaw secured a third round KO in the top-of-the-bill fight on the Gloves & Glory card at the Bert Ogden Arena, Edinburg, TX on Saturday, September 6.

The headline bout on the Marquez Promotions card didn’t disappoint. Garcia was too sharp for Mexican Hernandez as a trio of punches – including a decisive uppercut – saw him held up from the canvas by the referee, who called an end to the super featherweight title bout after 70 seconds of the third round.

Broadcast live on Box Azteca America and TV Azteca America, this is Garcia’s 13th knockout success in 21 victories – with just one defeat on his career record.

Garcia, who is managed by Houston-based BiYu Promotions, believes his display deserves to be recognised with a world title shot at the WBO beltholder, Emanuel Navarrete, or WBA ruler, Lamont Roach Jr.

“I put in a strong performance. This victory should give me a great opportunity for a world title fight,” said Garcia, who has signed up to TKO’s yet-to-be-revealed boxing format.

Ranked WBA #13, Garcia’s career record is far more accomplished than many of the fighters above him in the sanctioning body’s super featherweight rankings.

Currently, Garcia has a better fight record than any of the WBA’s top nine boxers including No.1 Elnur Samedov (20-1, 9KOs), and Raymond Ford (18-1-1, 8KOs), who is also ranked WBA #4, WBC #3 and IBF #4.

It is a similar picture across the other sanctioning bodies, with Garcia unable to secure a top 15 placing with the WBC, IBF or WBO ahead of fighters with fewer wins and more defeats.

This win should push Garcia’s presence in the WBO’s rankings with former NABO belt holder Henry Lebron (20-0, 10KOs) currently ranked sixth. The Puerto Rican also features high on the IBF at #6 and WBA #7.

BiYu Promotions’ Bobby Harrison believes the sanctioning bodies have ignored Garcia’s record and should now be taking note after this victory.

Harrison certainly expects the WBO to reflect that when its rankings are updated and will be actively pushing for either a world title shot or a world title eliminator.

He said: “The neglect shown by sanctioning bodies towards Eridson has been a gross oversight on their part.

“He has one blemish on his record - a fluke, one punch KO by Jordan White before they were even sweating.

“The way Eridson has been punished for that one punch by everyone is a travesty to him and the sport overall.

“He has otherwise been dominant. He is one of the best 130-135 pound boxers in the world and he deserves to be able to prove it. Hopefully that happens soon.”