American Ryan Garcia floored Devin Haney three times in a majority points win over his compatriot on a dramatic night in Brooklyn, New York.
Garcia’s left hook was his greatest asset as the previously unbeaten world champion Haney was floored in the seventh, 10th and 11th rounds.
Scorecards of 112-112, 114-110 and 115-109 saw the decision go to Garcia.
The Californian, however, did not win Haney’s WBC light-welterweight title after missing weight for the contest.
You really thought I was crazy? You all lost your own minds,” said Garcia, who had been criticised for his behaviour in the build-up.
The 25-year-old had posted a series of erratic, often unsubstantiated and defamatory social media posts in recent months.
“You guys overegg everything,” Garcia added. He extended his record to 25 wins and one defeat, while it was Haney’s first pro defeat in 32 bouts.
“I’m disappointed about my performance,” a marked-up Haney, 25, said. “I [showed I] was a true champion and I could fight after being knocked down.”
The pair had shared the ring six times as amateurs, with three wins each, but it was underdog Garcia – who missed the weight by 3.2lb – who stole the show in the pro ranks at the Barclay Center.
The sight of Haney on the canvas was becoming all too familiar. He was open for the left hook and Garcia obliged in the 11th.
“I fell asleep on the left hook. We trained for it but I got in there and fell asleep,” said Haney, who has also been undisputed champion at lightweight.
“I gave him a shot, it’s only right he gives me a shot back. He didn’t make weight, so I’m still the champion. We can run it back.”
