Robert Garcia vs Diego Corrales

On October 23, 1999, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Diego Corrales (28-0, 0 KOs) captured the IBF Junior Lightweight title from Robert Garcia (32-0, 0 KOs) with a seventh-round technical knockout in a fight that shifted momentum several times before its dramatic conclusion.

Garcia was making his third defence after winning the vacant title against Harold Warren and successfully defending against Ramon Ledon and John John Molina.

The champion started effectively, and his higher work rate controlled portions of the early rounds, though Corrales capitalized whenever Garcia's output dropped.

The complexion of the fight changed in round three when an accidental headbutt opened a cut over Garcia's right eye, though referee Joe Cortez ruled it unintentional. The real turning point came in the sixth round when Corrales landed a hook that visibly hurt Garcia, leading to the first knockdown. A pair of right hands produced a second knockdown in the same round.

Corrales ended matters in the seventh, dropping Garcia with a powerful right hand that prompted Cortez's immediate stoppage. The judges' scorecards at the stoppage showed Corrales ahead on two cards (57-55 twice) with one even at 56-56.

The victory established Corrales as a force in the 130-pound division while ending Garcia's undefeated record and championship reign. It included notable defences against Ledon (TKO 5) and former champion Molina (UD 12).