Eridson Garcia Stuns Taiga Imanaga by Split Decision
Eridson Garcia defeated previously unbeaten Taiga Imanaga by split decision in a 10-round lightweight bout at The Ring V: Night of the Samurai in Riyadh on December 27, 2025. The cards read 96-93 and 95-94 for Garcia, and 95-94 for Imanaga. The result moved Garcia to 23-1 (14 KOs) and Imanaga to 9-1 (5 KOs). See our full Ring V results.
A Fight Defined by Relentless Pressure and Tactical Disruption
Imanaga used his jab to build an early lead, while Garcia stayed in the fight and came on in the second half. The Ring’s report described Imanaga as ahead through six rounds before the bout’s decisive moment.
The fight turned on a knockdown in the eighth round. Garcia landed a right hook that sent Imanaga to the canvas, then pressed his advantage through the remainder of the 10-round contest.
The Eighth-Round Knockdown That Changed Everything
Garcia’s right hook put Imanaga down in Round 8. Imanaga got back to his feet and finished the round, but the knockdown became a key factor in the split decision.
Two judges awarded the fight to Garcia, while the third scored it for Imanaga: 96-93 Garcia, 95-94 Garcia, and 95-94 Imanaga.
Imanaga Shows Skill but Struggles Under Sustained Heat
Imanaga’s jab helped him control the early rounds, and he was still in position to win before Garcia’s eighth-round knockdown. The Japanese boxer’s record fell to 9-1 after the loss.
The close cards reflected how the fight shifted over 10 rounds: Garcia’s late knockdown and second-half push overcame Imanaga’s early work.
Garcia’s Breakthrough: A Career-Defining, Professional Win
Garcia took the fight on short notice and earned a split-decision win over the previously unbeaten Imanaga. The victory improved the Dominican southpaw’s record to 23-1 (14 KOs).
The result was an upset on a card headlined by Naoya Inoue and Alan David Picasso. Garcia’s eighth-round knockdown gave his late rally a clear turning point.
Final Takeaway
Garcia won a close decision after dropping Imanaga in the eighth round. The official scores were split, with two judges favoring Garcia and one favoring Imanaga.
Sources:
The Ring: Garcia upsets Imanaga and Tsutsumi stops Quintana
BoxingScene: Garcia defeats Imanaga in Riyadh
Sources
Tags: Boxing, Combat Sports
