Rewatched: Danny Garcia v Lucas Matthysse

So, I've done a few of these in the past, where I rewatch and re-score some of the most important and/or best fights of recent times and there is no other fight on NSB which has divided opinion over the last year or so as much as this one. Which is why I've rewatched it, re-scored it and have put together the most in depth piece yet. Comment and let's keep this civil folks. The Set Up Danny Garcia was the Ring and WBC/WBA champion heading into the fight, having knocked out Amir Khan for the privilege of being named numero uno. Lucas Matthysse was the baddest challenger of them all, a string of knock out victories, the highlight of which was a destruction of the experiences and intelligent Lamont Peterson. The fight was set up perfectly, some said Garcia would not want the fight but he signed the contract and the only fight that truly mattered on a card known as "The One" took place in front of a capacity crowd. Scorecard Round 1: 10-10, an even round with both guys feeling it out, not really willing to engage apart from a few wide shots that didn't cause any damage to either man. Round 2: 10-9 Matthysse, looking strong and quick with a good solid jab, controlled the ring, I think that's what's known as ring generalship. Round 3: 10-9 Matthysse, has the higher work rate and really pushed Garcia, but the champion put in some good work of his own, with brilliant counter punches. Round 4: 10-9 Garcia, a clear round for the champion, great combinations where as Matthysse was throwing single shots and missing/getting blocked. Round 5: 10-9 Matthysse, best round of the fight thus far, with the challenger edging it on work rate and consistent jabs. There is a clash of heads but it's to Matthysse's left side, thank fully no damage. Round 6: 10-9 Garcia, finally manages to break the pattern of Matthysse's attacks, makes him look reckless with some sublime counters, with added body work that will pay dividends later in the fight. However, there are some close exchanges with heads going in from both side, Matthysse jumping in with his wild left hooks isn't helping. Round 7: 10-9 Garcia, now the champion is in full swing, managing to control the pace of the fight and the distance at which it is fought. round 8: 10-9 Garcia, simply put, another easy round to score for Garcia, the eye that Matthysse damaged by standing and waiting for left hooks is starting to bother him a lot. Round 9: 10-9 Garcia, wow, what a definitive round for Garcia, he has to take a couple good shots but his combinations of left hooks and looping right hands just can't miss. Matthysse looks lost. Round 10: 10-9 Garcia, very very close round, just tilted in Garcia's favour because of his cleaner, more effective punching. Round 11: 9-8 Garcia, weird scoring I know but Garcia knocks down Matthysse, first time in his career but Matthysse does enough in the round to get some sort of credit. He lands huge, powerful right hands, how Garcia takes those shots I have no idea. Round 12: 10-8 Matthysse, Garcia gets a point taken off him rightfully so and the challenger chases him all night, landing some hard leather on him. Garcia ends the round beckoning Matthysse on and the two stand and trade, fitting end to a very good fight. 114-112 Danny Garcia, still Light-Welterweight Champion of the World What happened next? Well some screamed robbery, others claimed that Matthysse's eye closing was a major factor, which it was but this is boxing, if one guy lands clean, effective punches and damages his opponent...well that's the name of the game. Garcia's wins a hard fought but in the end, relatively drama free decision. AT no point did he look hurt and he took the best punches from the biggest puncher in the division. Controlling the middle rounds were his key to victory. -Danny Garcia proved he is the best in his division and one of the best counter punchers on the planet, with added power. He managed to slow Matthysse down and discourage him from throwing more than 1 or 2 shots at a time in the middle rounds. Not as talented as other top level fighters but well schooled, iron chinned and already, at only 25, has the tricks of a veteran. -Lucas Matthysse he showed what I thought a long time ago, definitely a hard puncher but a cultured beast at best. What does that mean? Well, when things aren't going his way, he rarely goes for a hail Mary and continues to box, which is what let him down against a superior technician. Also, a tad one dimensional when it comes to what he does, jab, jab, right hand, left hook, easy to prepare for. But hand it to him, he has heart and can finish a fight well, Garcia felt it in the 11th and 12th rounds. That's how I saw it, how'd yall see it?