DAZN News Fight Night Roundup: Garcia dethrones Barrios as Russell defends strap

Ryan Garcia earned his stripes as he dethroned Mario Barrios to become WBC welterweight champion in Las Vegas, with  Gary Antuanne Russell triumphant too.

DAZN News rounds up the headlines from a busy fight night at the T-Mobile Arena

Garcia achieves destiny with Barrios decision

Once the feted golden boy of American boxing, Ryan Garcia's potential has been under the microscope thanks to his actions inside and outside the ring in the past few years.

Here in Nevada though, 'Flash' finally achieved what he has viewed as a self-assured destiny, turning in one of his most consummate performances to take a first world title.

(Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy/Getty Images)

Success will be sweet for the Californian after he comfortably outgunned Mario Barrios across a dozen rounds to end the latter's mixed tenure as welterweight world champion.

Having led off with a first-round knockdown, Garcia wasted no time in calling out Shakur Stevenson afterwards too for what could promise to be a thrilling all-American clash .

Russell makes defence as Martin draws

Gary Antuanne Russell made a successful defence of his WBA light-welterweight strap on a glitzy Las Vegas undercard, but was made to work hard by foe Andy Hiraoka.

It marked a first loss for the Japanese star, who registered cleaner body work throughout, but was deducted a point in the championship round for some heavy low blows.

Frank Martin meanwhile was held to a draw by Nahir Albright - and was perhaps lucky that the former's late head of steam was cut off on multiple occasions in the ring.

With the former on the ropes, the latter lost his mouthguard on more than one occasion, forcing a pause that checked any momentum and likely split the eventual difference.

Hitchins no-show infuriates Durate

It was not all smooth sailing for organisers at the T-Mobile Arena however, after Richardson Hitchins pulled out citing illness just hours before he was due to face Oscar Duarte. 

Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy/Getty Images

The American, due to defend his IBF light-welterweight crown, left his opponent audibly frustrated over the late-breaking collapse, robbing him of a major title shot in the ring.

Golden Boy Promotions boss Oscar De La Hoya was also among those blindsided by the cancellation, with plenty airing their frustration towards Hitchins for his sudden exit.

It remains to be seen if the star will return to defend his title or potentially move to welterweight, likely clearing the way for mandatory challenger Lindolfo Delgado to figure in plans.

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