Garcia Earns Victory--and Fans’ Wrath

Alex Garcia, the third-ranked heavyweight in the world only six months ago, looked like a mediocre club fighter Thursday night at the Irvine Marriott as he struggled to defeat journeyman George O’Mara in a 10-round unanimous decision that was heartily booed by the crowd of 1,108.

“I struggled,” Garcia said. “I know I should have punched. I was missing some shots.”

Garcia (34-3-1) of San Fernando, who was in line to fight former world champion Riddick Bowe less than a year ago, was timid and careless against O’Mara’s awkward style.

He carried most of the early rounds in unimpressive fashion, but by the fifth round, the crowd had turned against Garcia and began cheering for O’Mara, a 38-year-old who fought former top-ranked heavyweight Ron Lyle 14 years ago.

O’Mara (13-11-3) carried the middle rounds and survived a big eighth round by Garcia before dominating the ninth and 10th.

“He caught me with a few punches, but I wasn’t seriously hurt,” Garcia said.”

After the decision was announced, Garcia was greeted by a chorus of boos.

Meanwhile, O’Mara was greeted by $5 and $10 bills that were thrown in the ring by fans.