Spence Jr calls out Pacquiao after dominating Garcia

Arlington, March 17: Errol Spence Jr called out Manny Pacquiao after a dominant victory against Mikey Garcia to retain his welterweight world title at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

Spence held onto his IBF belt and picked up the vacant WBC diamond welterweight strap courtesy of a unanimous decision against Garcia on Saturday (March 16), judges in Texas scoring the bout 120-107, 120-108 and 120-108 in the incumbent's favour.

WBC lightweight title-holder Garcia, already a four-weight world champion, stepped up two divisions to tackle his fellow American and the difference was clear for all to see, as Spence's superior strength, size and reach handed the 31-year-old (39-1) the first defeat of his career.

Spence, who improved to 25-0, was joined in the ring by Pacquiao after his victory, amid suggestions a bout between the pair could take place in July.

"Tell Manny Pacquiao to come back over here. It would be my honour to fight him next," said Spence.

Pacquiao responded: "Yeah, why not? We'll give the fans a good fight. I'm so happy to be here in Dallas and I'm hoping I will be back here soon."

After a restrained, probing start to the contest, 29-year-old Spence began to assert himself in the fourth and fifth rounds, with a left to Garcia's impressive chin among the highlights.

Referee Jon Schorle briefly considered halting the fight as Spence punished Garcia in the 11th, but the challenger somehow remained on his feet to delay the inevitable until the final bell.